US EPA

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