DEVELOPMENT OF NANO MULLITE BASED MESOPOROUS SILICA BIOCER WITH INCORPORATED BACTERIA FOR ARSENIC REMEDIATION

Nanomullite based silica matrix was employed to entrap an arsenic(As(V)) degrading bacteria using sol-gel process. The bacteria were cultured in arsenic environment in their sub-MIC concentration to acclimatize and direct them to utilize arsenic. The matrix with and without microorganisms were characterized by FESEM and BET surface area. The bacteria remained 75 % viable within the matrix as monitored up to 120 days. The enzymatic activity was also observed by fluorescein diacetate assay. The mullite assisted silica biocer provides a good material for bacteria entrapment preserving its metabolic activity therefore may be utilized as a possible candidate for arsenic remediation matrix.