ABSTRACT
The metal removal process by microbial cells is highly favored due to their environmentally friendly approach and sustainability. The metal removal process by these cells istypical via biosorption and/or bioaccumulation, with the former more commonly achieved by both live and dead cells. The biosorption efficacy of metals to the cells is dependent on the functional groups present on the surface of the cells. As such, to manipulate the process and enhance the efficacy of metal biosorption, pretreatments are applied to modify the functional groups on the cells to increase available surface area, leading to promotion of ionic binding of the metals. The pretreatment of cells can be applied via the heat- or the chemical-based approaches. In this chapter, we propose several feasible approaches, where the pretreatment of cells can be achieved via the use of common, nonexpensive technologies. These include the use of boiling, ovendrying, autoclaving, and acids and alkaline reagents, to apply heat and chemical treatments, respectively. The characteristics of heat- and chemical-treated cells are discussed here, as well as their efficacy and applications in metal removal. This chapter will provide the understanding of alternatives available for the pretreatment of cells, to enhance their metal removal efficacy
