Removal of hexavalent chromium ions by Yarrowia lipolytica cells modified with phyto-inspired Fe0/Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], an important ground water pollutant by phyto-inspired Fe0/Fe3O4 nanocomposite-modified cells of Yarrowia lipolytica (NCIM 3589 and NCIM 3590), was investigated. Electron microscopy and magnetometer studies indicated an effective modification of yeast cell surfaces by the nanocomposites. The effect of pH, temperature, agitation speed, contact time and initial metal ion concentration on the removal of Cr (VI) was determined. The specific uptake values at pH 2.0 were 186.32±3.17 and 137.31±4.53mgg−1 for NCIM 3589 and NCIM 3590, respectively, when 1000mgL−1 of metal ion concentrations were used. The equilibrium data fitted to Scatchard, Langmuir and linearized Freundlich models suggesting that adsorption played a role in the removal of Cr (VI) ions. The surface modified yeast cells displayed higher values of Langmuir and Scatchard coefficients than the unmodified cells indicating that the former were more efficient in Cr (VI) removal. The enhanced detoxification of Cr (VI) ions by this composite material could be attributed to the reductive power of the Fe0/Fe3O4 nanocomposites as well the yeast cell surface functional groups. [Display omitted] ► Yarrowia lipolytica cells were surface modified with Fe0/Fe3O4 nanocomposite. ► Modified cells were used for Cr (VI) removal under different conditions. ► Specific uptake was approximately three times higher than unmodified cells. ► Combined Fe0/Fe3O4-reductive power and surface groups enhanced detoxification.