Evaluation of Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass as a biosorbent for removal and recovery of heavy metals from contaminated aqueous solutions

Abstract

Background: Biomass produced as a byproduct from the β-mannanase production process by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3was evaluated as a biosorbent for the removal and recovery of some heavy metal ions.Results: Under optimal conditions, the isolated strain recorded the highest β-mannanase activity (31.88 Uml −1 ). Thus, the biomass produced from mannanase production process as a byproduct was evaluated as a biosorbent for the removal and recovery of some heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions and an industrial wastewater. The fungal biomass was found to be efficient for the removal of Cu +2 and some heavy metal ions. The biosorption process of copper(II) by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass was affected by changing of time, temperature, pH, metal ions concentration, the presence of some heavy metals, and biomass concentration. The rate of Cu +2 uptake from Cu +2 solution proceeded rapidly, and it appeared to be virtually complete during the initial 5 min (92%); the maximum uptake of Cu +2 appeared at 30°C, pH 5, and biomass concentration 5 g w/w. On the other hand, the fungal biomass was to remove considerable proportion of Pb 2+ , Co +2 , Ni 2+ , Fe +3 , and Cr 3+ in addition to Cu 2+ . The uptake of Cu +2 by pretreated biomass was studied. Recovery of the sorbed metal ions by desorbing agents and the potential reuse of the regenerated biomass in metal ions uptake (reloading) were evaluated. Conclusions: Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass seems to be quite feasible in the removal of heavy metal ions especially Cu +2 from aqueous solutions.

Recent Advances in Biosorption of Copper and Cobalt by Filamentous Fungi

“…and A. niger . In similar biosorption studies, it has been reported that maximum Cu (II) and Co (II) uptake by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass was 92.40 and 60%, respectively, in a solution comprising 5 g of A. tamarii wet biomass ( Saad et al, 2019 ). It has also been observed that the removal capacity differs with fungal species.…”

“…Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 obtained from contaminated Egyptian soil was used as a biosorbent for the bioremoval and bio-recovery of heavy metals ( Saad et al, 2019 ). From the findings, live A. tamarii NRC 3 biomass could absorb 90.94% Cu (II), 29.13 of Pb (II), 60% of Co (II), 40% of Ni (II), 34.47% of Fe (II), and 11.45% of Cr (II) respectively.…”

“…From the findings, live A. tamarii NRC 3 biomass could absorb 90.94% Cu (II), 29.13 of Pb (II), 60% of Co (II), 40% of Ni (II), 34.47% of Fe (II), and 11.45% of Cr (II) respectively. Their findings concluded that A. tamarii NRC 3 biomass, even though its biosorption process is affected by temperature, pH, metal ions concentration, and changing time through the optimization of these parameters, the performance of A. tamarii can be improved ( Saad et al, 2019 ).…”

“…During the removal of Cu (II), the biosorption capacity of Aspergillus niger was 26.2 mg/g at 31°C in the adsorption medium because the cell wall components stability is mostly influenced by temperature ( Saad et al, 2019 ). It has also been reported that higher temperatures play a significant role in the enhancement of the adsorption ability of the fungal biomasses, which explains that in environments with elevated temperatures, such as in the tropics, it is favorable and practical to use fungal biomasses for bioremediation.…”

Heavy Metal-Resistant Filamentous Fungi as Potential Mercury Bioremediators

“…Lab-scale and greenhouse experiments validate soil HM mycoremediation performance [ 24 , 31 , 39 ]. Similarly, effective recovery of HMs from contaminated water by fungi as biosorbents has also been demonstrated at small-scales [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Fungal biosorbents were extensively studied by previous researchers [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ].…”