Morphology and Metal Binding Characteristics of a Natural Polymer—Kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium) Gum
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium) gum (KG), a natural tree exudate, was
investigated for its morphological, adsorption and metal interaction behavior with various
toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr and Fe). SEM, AFM and TEM techniques were used to
study the morphological changes occurring after metal adsorption onto the biopolymer
structure. The degree of biosorption of metals on KG biopolymer surfaces was assessed by
small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. EDXA spectrum revealed that the ion-exchange
mechanism plays a major role in the binding process between KG and metal ions. The
higher electron density observed in the KG-Cd complex suggests that Cd is strongly bound
to KG compared to the other metals. This work provides a potential platform for
developing a hydrocolloid-based nanogel for bioremediation of environmental contaminants.
Description
Subject(s)
hydrocolloid, metal complexes, bioremediation, nanogel, kondagogu gum