Lanthanide bioadsorption by the extremophile <i>Exiguobacterium</i> sp.: utilizing microbial extracellular polysaccharides for high-value element recovery.

ABSTRACT: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are essential components in modern technologies but are challenging to extract sustainably. With increasing demand and limited supply, alternative recovery methods such as biosorption have gained attention. In particular, biosorption using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) offers a promising and environmentally friendly approach. This study explores the potential of Exiguobacterium sp. SH31, an EPS-producing extremophilic strain, for the biosorption of six REEs (Y, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, and Dy) commonly found in spent mobile phones. EPS production and biofilm formation were evaluated in the presence of REEs at concentrations of 0.1 mM and 1 mM, and at pH values of 7, 7.5, and 8. Biosorption capacity was assessed, and characterization was performed using a

SUBMITTER: Gallardo K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12307398 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature