Development of Immobilized Microbial Beads for Bioremediation of Calcium- and Magnesium-Rich Effluents
摘要
Industrial effluents enriched with calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions increases water hardness, causing scaling, and contributing to environmental degradation. The present study investigates a development of calcium alginate beads immobilized with ureolytic bacteria B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae supplemented with urea. The immobilization matrix having stabilized microbial activity with enhanced ion removal efficiency through microbially induced carbonate precipitation. The composite beads were evaluated for their impact on removal of Ca2+, Mg2+ ions, reduction in chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, and total hardness from the effluents stream. The results demonstrated over 80% reduction in Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, with improved clarity and reduced organic load in treating effluents. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of immobilized beads with bacteria confirmed the structural and functional integrity of the beads after encapsulation. The microbial consortium retained high viability and tolerance throughout the treatment process, affirming the robustness of the immobilized system. This eco-friendly methodology holds promise for scalable applications in the remediation of hard water and ion-rich industrial discharges.