Biosorption of cadmium by a Cd2+-hyperresistant Bacillus cereus strain HQ-1 newly isolated from a lead and zinc mine

A Cd2+-hyperresistant bacterial strain HQ-1 was isolated from a lead-zinc mine. The strain was characterized and identified as Bacillus cereus based on morphology, physiological tests and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration of Cd2+ for the bacterium was 0.012 mol/l. Isotherms for cadmium (Cd) biosorption by cells of B. cereus strain HQ-1 were investigated. The equilibrium data could be fitted by a Langmuir isotherm equation. The possible functional sites that might be influenced by the sorption were determined. The results indicate that this B. cereus strain has excellent potential for biosorption of Cd. Physiological characterization of the isolate also indicates possible application of this strain for bioremediation of sites with Cd contamination.