Arsenic decrease using Pseudomonas aeruginosa on mineral matrix for bioremediation

摘要

Groundwater contamination with Arsenic (As) is a problem that has received considerable worldwide attention in the last years. Bacteria have the metabolic capability of degrading chemical compounds. They may use the bioavailability of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, vanadium and arsenic, among others. The aim of this paper was to study As degradation using Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from groundwater containing 0.25 mg As L~(-1). As at an stimulating temperature of 23 °C from Presidencia Roque Saenz Pena, Chaco province. The strains were immobilized on the matrix of natural stone and covered with broth formulated with salts, and a concentration of 0.5 mg L~(-1) As. We observed biofilm formation on the matrix, obtaining higher cell concentration. This facilitated the interaction with the solution to be removed. The percentage of arsenic removed in a period of three months reached 50% from the initial concentration.