Remediation of heavy metals using easily cultivable, fast growing, and highly accumulating white rot fungi from hazardous aqueous streams

Abstract

There has been little investigation into the use of easily cultivable, fast growing, and highly accumulating live white rot fungi (WRF) for the remediation of heavy metal ions contamination. In this regard, the present study was planned to assess the Cu(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cr(VI) remediation potential of live immobilized Pleutrotus sajor-caju, Agaricus bitorquis, and Ganoderma lucidum from aqueous solutions as well as real hazardous effluents. Immobilized A. bitorquis had higher heavy metal ions remediation potential as compared to other two strains. The effect of pH, dose, initial metal concentration, time, temperature, etc. on bioremediation potential of WRF were investigated in a batch system. The maximum potential of live immobilized A. bitorquis for remediation of Cr(III), Pb(II), Cr(VI), and Cu(II) was 226.6, 208.5, 207.3, and 205.1 mg/g, respectively. Sulfuric acid (0.1 M) was found to be the best desorbing agent. Immobilized A. bitorquis remediated heavy metal ions from textile industry wastewater in the following priority order: Cr(III) > Pb(II) > Cr(VI) > Cu(II).

Keywords:

• Heavy metals
• White rot fungi
• Bioremediation
• Wastewater
• Desorption

Acknowledgments

This work is a part of PhD. studies of Dr Muhamamd Asif Hanif. We are thankful to our students especially Muhammad Idrees Jilani, Rehana Boota, and Ammara Zubair for their help in conducting this study effectively.