The aim of this paper was to study accumulation of cadmium (Cd) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermenting sugar-cane must, with sub-toxic additions of cadmium. Fermentation conditions were the same as those used in industrial production of alcohol, using non-sterilized must at pH 4.5 containing 12% total reducing sugar (w/w). Using cadmium acetate, four levels of contamination were applied, as follows: 0.5; 1.0; 2.0 and 5.0 mg Cd kg-1 must. The must was inoculated with baker's yeast (10% w/w). After 4 hours of fermentation, the wine was centrifuged and alcohol content and percent of yeast in the wine were determined. The separated yeast was analyzed for wet weight, solid and crude protein contents. Cadmium content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accumulation of cadmium by the yeast was shown at all levels of contamination.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae; heavy metal; cadmium acetate; must of sugar-cane
