A study on the lead biosorption by resting cells of lead resistant bacteria, isolated from industrial effluents, was carried out to ascertain their biosorption capacities. The strain showing highest MIC (min. inhibition concn.) for lead was selected for the study and identified as Bacillus cereus. Lead biosorption studies on Bacillus cereus pretreated with phys. (heat and oven dried) and chem. (sodium azide) methods showed improved lead biosorption with the exception of heat treatment in comparison to live biomass. Among the pretreatment methods, azide treatment showed max. lead biosorption.
