Factors regulating copper uptake in free and immobilized cyanobacterium

Abstract

The effect of population size, redox potential, exogenous ATP and complexing agents on Cu uptake by free and immobilized cyanobacterium Nostoc calcicolaBréb. has been studied. Cu uptake was regulated by the population size. In such comparisons, the immobilized cells had a greater longevity. Low pH conditions enhanced Cu uptake. Exogenous ATP (10 μmol/L) supplied to dark-grown free and immobilized cells did not support Cu uptake to the extent of light-grown cells. Experiments involving natural as well as synthetic complexing agents clearly established the superiority of soil extract and spent medium over EDTA (10 μmol/L), in sequestering Cu in free as well as immobilized cells. © 1992, Folia Microbiologica. All rights reserved.