Use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy' and esterification to investigate Cr(III) and Ni(II) ligands in alfalfa biomass

Kirk J. Tiemann, Jorge L. Gardea-Torresdey, Gerardo Gamez, Kenneth Dokken, Salvador Sias, Mark W. Renner, Lars R. Furenlid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

97 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previously performed studies have shown that alfalfa shoot biomass can bind an appreciable amount of nickel(II) and chromium(III) ions from aqueous solution. Direct and indirect approaches were applied to study the possible mechanisms involved in metal binding by the alfalfa biomass. The direct approach involves investigations of the metal-bound alfalfa shoot biomass by X-ray absorption spectroscopic analysis (XANES and EXAFS). Results from these studies suggest that nickel(II) and chromium(III) binding mostly occurs through coordination with oxygen ligands. Indirect approaches consist of chemical modification of carboxylate groups that have been shown to play an important role in metal binding to the alfalfa biomass. An appreciable decrease in metal binding resulted after acidic methanol esterification of the biomass, indicating that carboxyl groups are entailed in the metal binding by the alfalfa biomass. In addition, base hydrolysis of the alfalfa biomass increased the binding of these metals, which further indicates that carboxyl groups play an important role in the binding of these metal ions from solution. Therefore, by combining two different techniques, our results indicate that carboxylate groups are the major ligands responsible for the binding of nickel(II) and chromium(III) by alfalfa biomass.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-154
Number of pages5
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy' and esterification to investigate Cr(III) and Ni(II) ligands in alfalfa biomass'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this