Cadmium Bioremoval by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Milk

The application of biosorbents like bacteria, yeast, and algae is a biotechnological method for eliminating heavy metals from the environment. These microorganisms can also be used for the decontamination of heavy metal in food and water.

In this study, we investigated the Cadmium (Cd) biosorption in milk by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For this purpose, Cd and S. cerevisiae were added to milk, and the bioremoval process was monitored for four days. We evaluated six variables, including exposure time, temperature, S. cerevisiae concentration, viability yeasts, shaking rate, and initial Cd concentration in the bioremoval process.

The analysis of ANOVA showed that among the above six variables, S. cerevisiae concentration, initial Cd concentration, and exposure time were statistically significantly associated with Cd removal (P values ≤0.05). The highest biosorption (70%) was observed after 4 days with 30×108 CFU S. cerevisiae in milk containing 80 μg/L of Cd.

Our findings provided further evidence for S. cerevisiae as a powerful biosorbent for Cd removal from milk and a potentially safe and green tool for providing safe and healthy food supply.