Abstract
Effects of the heavy metals cadmium, nickel, cobalt, lead and zinc were tested on Aspergillus carneus and Aspergillus ellipticus, Aspergillus carneus was highly resistant to all metals tested. The fungus grew well in metal concentrations of up to 500 mg/l. Aspergillus ellipticus, on the other hand, was very sensitive to metal toxicity. It only grew in the presence of lead. At 100-500 mg/l lead concentrations, growth of Aspergillus ellipticus was more abundant than in the control treatment. The effect of mineral deficiency on the growth of the two fungi was also studied. Aspergillus carneus grew well in the absence of potassium and magnesium although growth was less pronounced than in the control. Aspergillus ellipticus grew well in potassium-, magnesium- and sulphur-deficient media. Both species of Aspergillus grew in nitrogen-deficient medium although to a lesser degree than in the control.