Abstract

In this study, heavy metal biosorption potential of indigenous micromycetes was determined. Water samples were collected from different waste water points, chemical industry and tanneries effluents. Indigenous mycoflora was isolated on 2% MEA medium and purified for biomass production. Selected water samples were exposed to UV radiation to kill microbial life in them. Isolated biomass was added to respective water sample for biosorption study. Residual metal concentration was analyzed after 15 and 30 days of fungal inoculation using ICO-ES (Inductively Coupled Optical- Emission Spectrophotometer). Results obtained show that the indigenous micromycetes are significantly efficient in heavy metal biosorption. Concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb and Co reduced to 90-100, >90, 95-100 and 90-100%, respectively. While the concentration of Na and K reduced to 59-90 and 54-83%, respectively, in all water samples. Our findings show that micromycetes present in polluted water are helpful in uptake of heavy metal and can be used for water pollution remediation.

Key words:  Biosorption, heavy metals, industrial effluent, micromycetes.