Preparation of Magnetic Spent Tea as a Sustainable Carrier for Laccase Immobilization and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v22n4.5545Keywords:
Magnetic spent tea, laccase immobilization, naphthalene and anthracene biodegradation.Abstract
Due to their persistence, hydrophobicity, and carcinogenic nature, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced from the petroleum-based sector give rise to various threats to the environment and human health. Laccase exhibits significant potential for enzymatic bioremediation; however, its practical application is constrained by its low stability and limited reusability. In this study, three synthesis parameters to develop magnetic spent tea (MST) as a sustainable carrier for laccase immobilization were studied, namely precipitation pH (9 to 11), alkaline additive type (NaOH vs NH₄OH), and temperature (40 to 80°C). To ensure the formation of Fe₃O₄ magnetite, the theoretical stoichiometric ratio Fe²⁺:Fe³⁺ of 1:2 was applied. Immobilization of laccase with MST was performed via a crosslinking method with glutaraldehyde, and thereafter, its catalytic activity, recovery, stability, and PAH degradation ability were evaluated. The highest immobilized laccase activity of 5.32 U and recovery of 26.41% were obtained with NH₄OH at pH 9 and 80°C. FTIR spectra showed characteristic peaks corresponding to Fe–O, O–H, and C–N stretching vibrations, denoting that magnetization and enzyme immobilization were successfully achieved. Meanwhile, SEM images confirmed the deposition of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on the fibrous structure of spent tea. HPLC analysis revealed that after 24 hours, 22.6% of naphthalene and 6.6% of anthracene were successfully degraded. After five cycles of reuse, the immobilized system retained approximately 20% of its initial activity, indicating promising recyclability. This study demonstrates that magnetic spent tea (MST) is a promising, affordable, and sustainable carrier for laccase immobilization with potential applications for the biodegradation of PAHs.
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