Biodegradation of chitosan and its effect on metal bioavailability

Kamari, A., Pulford, I.D. and Hargreaves, J.S.J. (2015) Biodegradation of chitosan and its effect on metal bioavailability. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22(3), pp. 1919-1930. (doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-3600-6)

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Abstract

The microbial breakdown of chitosan, a fishery waste-based material, and its derivative cross-linked chitosans, in both non-contaminated and contaminated conditions was investigated in a laboratory incubation study. Biodegradation of chitosan and cross-linked chitosans was affected by the presence of heavy metals. Zn was more pronounced in inhibiting microbial activity than Cu and Pb. It was estimated that a longer period is required to complete the breakdown of the cross-linked chitosans (up to approximately 100 years) than unmodified chitosan (up to approximately 10 years). The influence of biodegradation on the bioavailable fraction of heavy metals was studied concurrently with the biodegradation trial. It was found that the binding behaviour of chitosan for heavy metals was not affected by the biodegradation process.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hargreaves, Professor Justin and Pulford, Dr Ian
Authors: Kamari, A., Pulford, I.D., and Hargreaves, J.S.J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0944-1344
ISSN (Online):1614-7499

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