Investigating Microgravity and Mars Gravity Effect on Lead Absorption by Lactobacillus acidophilus

One of the most serious problems of the industrialized world is heavy metal contamination. As a heavy metal, lead has very harmful effects on human health even in small amounts. Therefore, removing it from water is one of the most important challenges in public health system. Microorganism application is very useful and safe in this field. Creatures living on Earth are constantly under the influence of gravity, and if it changes, they will be affected by a unique shock. Such a change has effects on the structure and function of cells by interfering with biochemical pathways and gene expression. Investigating these changes, in addition to maintaining the health of astronauts, will also be useful for improving the quality of human life on earth. In this study, the efficiency of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 bacteria in the bioremoval of lead from aqueous solution was investigated in microgravity and Mars gravity conditions. The results showed a decrease in lead concentration after 24-hour treatment by 82.1% under microgravity conditions, 79.6% under simulated Mars gravity conditions and 70.6% under natural Earth gravity conditions. Therefore, by reducing the gravity, it is possible to increase the efficiency of L. acidophilus in the bioremoval of lead metal.