Abstract

Two samples of wastewater were collected and initial concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in wastewater were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Exponentially growing mycelia of the white rot fungus Polyporus squamosus immobilized on calcium alginate was applied to 500 ml of wastewater samples. Biosorption investigations were conducted in a stirring bioreactor. Results obtained showed significant increments in the quantity of heavy metals sequestered by immobilized live mycelia of P. squamosus as compared with empty ca-alginate beads. pH played an important role in the biosorption capability of the immobilized P. squamosus, with the fungal biomass having maximum adsorption for cationic metal ions at pH 4 - 6. The results of this investigation could provide a basis for applying the white rot fungi for an environmentally friendly and economically feasible decontamination of pollutants. 

Key words: Biosorption, white rot fungi, heavy metals, fungal biomass.