Biosorption of heavy metals by Aspergillus terreus from electronic waste

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to investigate the biosorption of three heavy metals (Nickle Ni, Cadmium Cd and lead Pb) using an environmentally friendly method from compact discs and batteries (e-waste). Methodology and results: This study examines the recycling of heavy metals from electronic waste by filamentous fungi pellets. Aspergillus terreus is the best heavy metal tolerated isolate under the following incubation parameters: pH (5), temperature (25 °C), ground electronic waste powder doses (0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/L) absorbed by fungal pellets biomass 10 gm/L of wet weight. The results showed the best removal percentage R% of Ni, Cd and Pb removal were 89.91 and 96 observed at pH 5. Scanning electron microscope images showed the accumulation of metal molecules on the surface of the fungal hyphae and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to determine the influential groups in the fungal cell wall responsible for biosorption of heavy metals. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The current research indicates the possibility of applying A. terreus as a promising candidate for the biological sorption and recycling of heavy metals and as an environmentally friendly and efficient process in terms of time and cost.