Recovery of Silver from Waste X-Ray Film by Alkaline Protease from <i>Conidiobolus coronatus</i>

Authors

  • S Shankar Division of Biochemical Sciences, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
  • SV More Division of Biochemical Sciences, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
  • R Seeta Laxman Division of Biochemical Sciences, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3311

Keywords:

Silver recovery, X-ray films, gelatin hydrolysis, alkaline protease, Conidiobolus coronatus

Abstract

The waste X-ray/ photographic films contain 1.5 - 2 % (w/w) black metallic silver which is
recovered and reused. Around 18-20% of the world's silver needs are supplied by recycling
photographic waste. Since silver is linked to gelatin in the emulsion layer, it is possible to break the
same and release the silver using proteolytic enzymes. Alkaline protease from Conidiobolus
coronatus
was investigated for enzymatic hydrolysis of gelatin from waste X-ray films. At the end
of the treatment, gelatin layer was completely removed leaving the polyester film clean and silver
was recovered in the hydrolysate, both of which can be reused. Various parameters such as pH,
temperature, enzyme concentration, time etc on silver removal from the film were studied. Gelatin
hydrolysis was monitored by measuring increase in turbidity in the hydrolysate, which was
accompanied by release of protein and hydroxyproline. Gelatin layer was stripped completely
within 6 min with 1.35 U ml-1 of protease at 40°C, pH 10. Rate of gelatin hydrolysis increased with
increased in protease concentration. The enzyme could be effectively reused for four cycles of
gelatin hydrolysis. Silver in hydolysate was around 3.87% (w/w) based on total weight of sludge.

Key words: Silver recovery; X-ray films; gelatin hydrolysis; alkaline protease; Conidiobolus coronatus

DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3311

Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp60-69

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How to Cite

Shankar, S., More, S., & Laxman, R. S. (2010). Recovery of Silver from Waste X-Ray Film by Alkaline Protease from <i>Conidiobolus coronatus</i>. Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 6(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3311

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Original Research Articles