PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR REMOVING LEAD FROM A LIQUID

A process for removing lead from a liquid is provided. The liquid is brought into contact with PbrD proteins having an amino acid sequence which has at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, and these proteins bind to lead ions present in the liquid, thus removing the lead ions from the liquid. The bound lead ions are subsequently recovered, such as in the form of an insoluble salt or compound or by cation exchange chromatography, and can then be recycled. The PbrD protein can be immobilized before being brought into contact with the liquid. The proteins are typically immobilized in a matrix of nanoparticles. The PbrD proteins can be recombinantly expressed, such as in a bacterial system (e.g. E. coli) or a yeast expression system.