Removal of Ni(II) Ions from Substrate using Filamentous Fungi

Ni(II) uptake capacity of eight fungal species viz., Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Cunninghamella echinulata, Alternaria alternata and Trichoderma harzianum was evaluated through batch biosorption assays. Biosorption experiments were conducted with 0.1 g of fungal biomass in 250 mL flask filled with 100 mL metal solution using constant shaking at 150 rpm. The maximum adsorption capacity was recorded for T. harzianum (11.77 mg/g) followed by R. arrhizus (9.28 mg/g), A. terreus (7.86 mg/g), A. niger (7.69 mg/g), A. flavus (7.5 mg/g), A. alternata (7.37 mg/g) and C. echinulata (4.69 mg/g). Experimental data of Ni(II) adsorption on fungal biomass is appropriately described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms within concentration range of 25-100 mg L-1. copyright 2012 Friends Science Publishers