Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Pete Chandrangsu

Reader 2

Jason Tor

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2026 Desmarteau S Danielle

Abstract

Lead contamination remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in Kabwe, Zambia, the site of a former lead mining operation. Bioremediation, which utilizes biological materials and processes to remove environmental contaminants, represents a promising approach for addressing lead pollution. However, the development of effective bioremediation systems requires a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying metal removal and the feasibility of implementation in low-resource settings. Oceanobacillus profundus KBZ 3-2, a bacterium isolated from Kabwe mine waste, has demonstrated the ability to remove lead from aqueous environments. This study proposes to investigate the mechanism of lead biosorption by this organism, with the hypothesis that removal is primarily mediated by passive interactions between positively charged lead (Pb²⁺) ions and negatively charged functional groups within extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). To test this, lead removal efficiency will be compared among live cells, dead cells, and isolated EPS. In a second phase, the most effective biological component will be immobilized onto alginate, biochar, and kaolin clay to evaluate initial biosorption capacity and performance over repeated use cycles. These experiments aim to identify a low-maintenance, effective biosorbent material suitable for scalable, decentralized water treatment strategies for lead-contaminated groundwater in Kabwe.

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