As(V) removal using carbonized yeast cells containing silver nanoparticles.

The present study involves the development of adsorbent containing silver nanoparticles for arsenate removal using silver reducing property of a novel yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae BU-MBT-CY1 isolated from coconut cell sap. Biological reduction of silver by the isolate was deduced at various time intervals. The yeast cells after biological silver reduction were harvested and subjected to carbonization at 400 °C for 1 h and its properties were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope attached with energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. The average size of the silver nanoparticles present on the surface of the carbonized silver containing yeast cells (CSY) was 19 ± 9 nm. The carbonized control yeast cells (CCY) did not contain any particles on its surface. As(V) adsorption efficiency of CCY and CSY was deduced in batch mode by varying parameters like contact time, initial concentration, and pH. Desorption studies were also carried out by varying the pH. The experimental data were fitted onto Langmuir and D-R Isotherms and Lagergren and pseudo second order kinetic models. The CSY was more efficient in arsenate removal when compared to CCY.