Characterization of Strain Cupriavidus sp ZSK and Its Biosorption of Heavy Metal Ions

In the research, we aimed at seeking suitable indigenous strains to adsorb heavy metals. A cadmium-tolerant strain ZSK was isolated from Zhuzhou Smelter in China. The growth curve was established and its tolerance to heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr(VI) and Pb ions, was examined. The 16S rRNA gene of the strain was sequenced and aligned with the highly similar sequences published in GenBank. The morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that according to the specific characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence, the isolated microorganism belonged to Cupriavidus sp. It showed high tolerance to the five heavy metals. Both the living and dead cells were able to adsorb the five heavy metals in solution. The cadmium adsorption capacity of the living and the dead cells were 49.37 mg/g and 44.28 mg/g, respectively. This research suggested that strain Cupriavidus sp. ZSK was a potential microorganism to adsorb cadmium ions and other metals from waste water.