BIOACCUMULATION AND BIOSORPTION OF CO2-CRASSA( BY NEUROSPORA)

Mycelial biomass of Wild type and a Co2+-resistant N.crassa (cor) was used to remove Co2+ from aqueous media. Mycelia obtained from growth i n nitrate N-medium (NaNO3) was more effective than ammonium N-medium ( NH4NO3), in removing Co2+. Co2+-resistant N.crassa cor was more effici ent than wild type in removing Co2+ from medium containing higher conc entrations (500 mg/L). Metal removal was linear up to 12 h at which 35 -60% Co2+ is depleted from medium, reaching near saturation by 24 h (9 0% removal). Co2+ removal was as efficient even from pure solutions an d sodium azide inhibited the process up to 60%. Cell walls prepared fr om nitrate N-medium grown mycelia bound 3 - 5 fold more Co2+ when comp ared to ammonium N-medium. The importance of bioaccumulation and bioso rption in bioremediating toxic metal ions from effluents is discussed.