Biosorption of Co-EDTA complex by Aspergillus versicolor SPF-1 strain isolated from solar salt pan

Abstract Biosorption is one of the methods for heavy metal remediation. Several organisms have the absorption potential which can be utilized for remediation of radionuclides. The microorganisms isolated from extreme environmental sites are often been identified as potential agents for bioremediation. In this study, a [Co(III)-EDTA]- resistant fungus was isolated from solar salt pan and was identified as Aspergillus versicolor SPF-1. Isolated fungus showed high value of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) towards Co-EDTA complexes, i.e. 17 mM and 22 mM for [Co(III)-EDTA]- and [Co(II)-EDTA]2- respectively. The fungal isolate took 5 days to remove 1 mM [Co(III)-EDTA]- from the bulk medium at pH 5.0 and 30 °C, however, maximum biosorption was observed at pH 4.0. SEM-EDAX analysis confirmed that A. versicolor SPF1 removed the [Co(III)-EDTA]- from bulk medium through biosorption mechanism.