Effect of Glucose Concentration on Ni and V Removal from a Spent Catalyst by Bacillus spp. Strains Isolated from Mining Sites

Abstract

Considering the progressive depletion of natural resources and the increasing environmental pollution, recovery of metals from spent catalysts has been gaining importance, as they can be an eco-friendly source of commercially valuable metals. The present study reports on the ability of three Bacillus spp. strains to remove Ni and V contained in a spent catalyst at 8% of pulp density (w/v). As modifications in the growth environment, like pH and the presence of diverse carbon sources, can cause changes in cell properties, the present study evaluated the effect of glucose presence in PHGII media on Ni and V removal from a spent catalyst. Assays were performed on PHGII liquid media, and on PHGII without glucose for 7 days. The maximum removal values obtained were 2542 mg/kg for Ni, and 3701 mg/kg for V for the isolate MV-9K-2 of Bacillus megaterium in the system, where PHGII was not added with glucose.