Biosorption of Cu (II) ions by indigenous copper-resistant bacteria isolated from polluted coastal environment

The concentrations of copper in water and sediment samples of Cuddalore coastal area, Tamil Nadu, India were examined. The isolation, characterization, screening, and metal sorption capabilities of copper-resistant bacteria (CURB) also were investigated. Biosorption capabilities and growth time varied among the resistant isolates. All isolates reduced more than 80% of copper from copper-treated broth. However, Bacillus cereus CURB-4 strain absorbed more copper ions (99.9%) than other resistant isolates. Changes in structural group position and synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of CURB-4 strain under copper stress and controlled conditions also were examined. Under copper stress condition, CURB-4 produced more EPS (71 ± 0.6%) compared to control conditions (66 ± 0.4%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the changes in functional group position of EPS were observed in stressed condition. Overall, synthesis of EPS in bacteria is a protective barrier against environmental stress.