The Potential of the Photoautotroph Synechocystis for Metal Bioremediation

The photoautotrophic cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 has received much attention as a model photosynthetic cell factory for the production of a range of important biotech products. The biomass remaining from this activity may then have further utility in processes such as metal bioremediation. In addition Synechocystis being an inhabitant of many natural aquatic environments is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to using chemical precipitation methodologies for metal remediation. Synechocystis produces a range of extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS) that can undergo modification as a function of culture age and growth nutrients which have been implicated in metal biosorption. Many studies have demonstrated that high levels of charged groups present in EPS are important in forming polymeric matrices with metallic ions allowing their biosorption. Genetic studies has revealed genes involved in such metal binding indicating that EPS can be modified for potential enhancement of binding or modification of the types of metals bound. The utility of metal binding to live and dead biomass of Synechocystis has been demonstrated for a range of metals including Cr(VI), Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), Sb, Ni(II), Mn(II), Mn(IV), As(III), As(V), Cs and Hg. The potential of using Synechocystis as a biosorption platform is discussed

Natural Toxins: Environmental Fate and Safe Water Supply

Plants, bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and other organisms produce a vast diversity of bioactive and toxic natural compounds. We know that many of these toxins are mobile and can be produced in high amounts close to or within drinking water reservoirs. Natural toxins represent emerging classes of environmental contaminants for which we have very limited insight on occurrence, fate and effects. The konference “Natural toxins: Environmental Fate and Safe Water Supply” addresses knowledge gaps within the field of natural toxins, target, non-target, suspect and effect-directed analysis, distribution, fate, toxicity and management of natural toxins in aquatic environments and drinking water reservoirs. These proceedings are a collection of the abstracts to contributions presented at the conference