BIOREMEDIATION OF TOXIC METAL-IONS FROM POLLUTED LAKE WATERS AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS BY FUNGAL BIOSORBENT

Alkali-extracted mycelial biomass (biosorbent) from Aspergillus niger was effective in sequestering metal ions, especially Zn2+ and Cd2+ fro m lake waters from very low concentrations (mu g/l) when compared to D owex-50. Zinc ions (9 g/l) from an effluent of a battery manufacturing unit could be removed efficiently (>75%) by recycling the biosorbent through five cycles. Similarly, chromium ions from effluents of electr oplating industry (420 mg/l) could also be removed by recycling the bi omass, Here we report the potential use of this fungal biosorbent in r emoving toxic metal ions from heterogeneously polluted lake waters and industrial effluents.