title: Bioaccumulation and biosorption of chromium by Aspergillus niger MTCC 2594.
abstract: Chromium toxicity is of prime concern due to chrome tanning processes in the leather sector. Chrome tanning results in the discharge of toxic levels of chromium causing pollution hazards. Chromium levels of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were high above permissible limits in chrome samples after chrome tanning. The potential of Aspergillus niger MTCC 2594 to accumulate chromium as well as its biosorption capacity is investigated in this study. Bioaccumulation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the spent chrome liquor has resulted in a 75-78% reduction of the initial Cr content in 24-36 h. A. niger biomass is found to be very effective in the biosorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in spent chrome liquor. Maximum adsorption of 83% for biosorption of Cr(III) at 48 h and 79% of Cr(VI) at 36 h in spent chrome liquor is observed. The biosorption characteristics fit well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the adsorption parameters are evaluated. The biosorption of Cr also follows Lagergren kinetics. A. niger biomass is effectively used for the biosorption of chromium with 79-83% Cr removal in 36-48 h.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: John Geraldine
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Sandana Mala
authors.forename: Balachandran
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Unni Nair
authors.forename: Rengarajulu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Puvanakrishnan
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002857:Chromium / Q000378:metabolism*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002857:Chromium