Leptothrix biomaterial: Investigation on a product with potential applications as a natural absorbent material for heavy metals

Slavov L. Mirzayeva D.M. Popov E. Abrashev M.V. Angelova R. Kaplina S.P. Gustova M.V. Nygymanova A. Mirzayev M.N. Imanova G.
July 2025 Elsevier B.V.

Inorganic Chemistry Communications
2025 #177

Abounded, homogenous, and uniform tubular structures with biogenic origin, obtained in a simple procedure involving prolonged storage time of natural biomass, are investigated. The tubular structures reach up to 60 μm in length and a diameter of around a micron − typical features of Leptothrix sp. activity. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) unveils that iron is the dominant element in the material, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) shows that the tubules contain 6.58 at.% elemental iron. The analysis of the XRD data obtained shows no sign of any iron oxides and (oxy)hydroxides nor ferrihydrite. During the Raman probing, it was established that laser power of 0.6 mW for 1 min leads to a complete transformation of the material to well-crystallized hematite (α-Fe₂O₃). The local overheating and the subsequent chemical transformation resulting from the higher laser power allow part of the elemental iron content in the biomass to be confirmed as belonging to the tubular structures themselves. Raman measurements involving altering laser power on exact locations unveil the path of transformation to hematite and confirm good uniformity of the obtained material. The lack of iron oxides and (oxy)hydroxides encrustation on the tubular structures is possibly due to the combined effect of sampling time (late autumn) and the lack of natural dynamic conditions in the prolonged storage time of the biomass. During Gamma spectrometry measurements, lines of short-lived radioactive isotopes (²⁰⁸Tl and ²¹⁴Bi) were detected, possibly sorbed by the material.

BIOS , Ferrihydrite , Hematite , Leptothrix sp. , Raman spectroscopy , Tubular structures

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Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1784, Bulgaria
International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, 141980, Russian Federation
Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1784, Bulgaria
Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, 5, J. Bourchier blvd., Sofia, 1164, Bulgaria
Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G, Bonchev Str. Bl. 105, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria
Dubna State University, Moscow Distr., Dubna, 141980, Russian Federation
L.N. Gumilyov, Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Institute of Radiation Problems, Ministry of Science and Education Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, AZ-1143, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Scientific-Research Institute Geotecnological Problems of Oil, Gas and Chemistry, Baku, AZ1010, Azerbaijan
Khazar University, Department of Physics and Electronics, 41 Mahsati Str., Baku, AZ1096, Azerbaijan
Western Caspian University, Baku, AZ-1001, Azerbaijan
UNEC Research, Center for Sustainable Development and Creen Economy named after Nizami Ganjavi, AzerbaijanAzerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), 6 Istiglaliyyat Str., Baku, 1001, Azerbaijan

Institute of Electronics
International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research
Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy
Faculty of Physics
Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering
Dubna State University
L.N. Gumilyov
Institute of Radiation Problems
Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
Khazar University
Western Caspian University
UNEC Research

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