Characterization of the extracellular polysaccharide produced by a marine cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp ATCC 51142, and its exploitation toward metalremoval from solutions

Cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 produces an exopolysaccharide at a high level, Physical analysis of the exopolysaccharide (EPS), such as nuc lear magnetic resonance, infrared spectrum, were done to determine its poss ible structure. Thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorim eter, and differential thermal analysis of the polymer were done to find ou t the thermal behavior. Calcium content within the sample was found out. So me of the physicochemical properties. such as relative viscosity, specific viscosity, and intrinsic viscosity of the EPS were studied under different conditions. The phenomenon of gel formation by the EPS was investigated for its potential application in metal removal from solutions.