Biorecovery of zinc from industrial effluent using native microflora

Abstract

The industrial effluent of Hindustan Zinc Limited, Udaipur (India), was treated using native microflora to recover zinc. The experiments were conducted using microorganisms isolated from soil samples in nearby areas. Effects of pH and temperature on the biorecovery process were studied. Metal uptake experiments with live and dead microbial cells were carried out. Significant recovery of zinc could be achieved using native microflora and the process is pH dependent.