Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Purple Non Sulfur Bacteria for Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solution

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses serious environmental and health challenges due to its high toxicity and non-biodegradable nature. Conventional methods for Cd removal are often expensive and environmentally unsustainable, highlighting the need for alternative bioremediation approaches. Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria (PNSB) have shown potential in heavy metal biosorption, but their application in Cd removal requires further exploration.This study is focused on the isolation, characterization and identification of purple non sulfur bacteria (PNSB) isolated from Kim Kim River, Pasir Gudang, Johor and its ability in removal of Cadmium from aqueous solution. PNSB was isolated and identifies based on morphological, pigment analysis and 16S rRNA approaches. Rhodobacter sp. was isolated and identified and was then studied for its ability to remove Cd in different environmental conditions such as various temperature, initial Cd solution pH and microbial growth conditions. The results showed that the best condition for Cd biosorption by Rhodobacter sp. was at 25°C, initial cadmium pH of 5.5 and facultative light incubation condition with 37.77% removal of Cd from aqueous solution. In conclusion, Rhodobacter s sp. isolated from Kim Kim River has the potential to remove cadmium from aqueous solution.