Removal of Ni(II) ions from substrate using filamentous fungi.

Ni(II) uptake capacity of eight fungal species viz. , Aspergillus niger , A. terreus, A. flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus , Cunninghamella echinulata , Alternaria alternata and Trichoderma harzianum was evaluated through batch biosorption assays. Biosorption experiments were conducted with 0.1 g of fungal biomass in 250 mL flask filled with 100 mL metal solution using constant shaking at 150 rpm. The maximum adsorption capacity was recorded for T. harzianum (11.77 mg/g) followed by R. arrhizus (9.28 mg/g), A. terreus (7.86 mg/g), A. niger (7.69 mg/g), A. flavus (7.5 mg/g), A. alternata (7.37 mg/g) and C. echinulata (4.69 mg/g). Experimental data of Ni(II) adsorption on fungal biomass is appropriately described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms within concentration range of 25–100 mg L -1 . © 2012 Friends Science Publishers