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536564 
Journal Article 
Biosorption of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Pb metals from petroleum refinery effluent by calcium alginate immobilized mycelia of Polyporus squamosus 
Wuyep, PA; Chuma, AG; Awodi, S; Nok, AJ 
2007 
1 
Scientific Research and Essays
ISSN: 1992-2248 
2 
7 
217-221 
English 
Two samples of wastewater were collected and initial concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in wastewater were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Exponentially growing mycelia of the white rot fungus Polyporus squamosus immobilized on calcium alginate was applied to 500 ml of wastewater samples. Biosorption investigations were conducted in a stirring bioreactor. Results obtained showed significant increments in the quantity of heavy metals sequestered by immobilized live mycelia of P. squamosus as compared with empty ca-alginate beads. pH played an important role in the biosorption capability of the immobilized P. squamosus, with the fungal biomass having maximum adsorption for cationic metal ions at pH 4 - 6. The results of this investigation could provide a basis for applying the white rot fungi for an environmentally friendly and economically feasible decontamination of pollutants. 
biosorption; white rot fungi; heavy metals; fungal biomass; rhizopus-arrhizus; heavy-metals; waste-water; sapidus