Biosorption of mercury, lead and cadmium from landfill leachate using Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis for biosorption of mercury, lead, and cadmium in landfill leachate. Bacillus subtilis was introduced into landfill leachate in varying amounts and placed in controlled and natural environments for three weeks. Results showed that Bacillus subtilis was able to degrade Cd by 9.00 to 18.10%, Pb by 2.80 to 25.00%, and Hg by 88.20 to 90.30% when placed in an incubator. When kept at room temperature, biosorption efficiency for Cd ranged from 36.30 to 54.10%, Pb ranged from 2.80 to 25.00%, and Hg ranged from 90.30 to 91.0%. Bacillus subtilis demonstrated higher efficacy in degrading mercury compared to lead and cadmium at room temperature. Overall, the study suggests that Bacillus subtilis has potential for bioremediation of metal contamination in the environment.