Abstract
The present study describes the potential of mixed fungal isolates, i.e. Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Rhizopus oryzae for the removal of zinc(II) and copper(II) from aquatic environments. Capacity of mixed fungal biomass to adsorb Zn(II) and Cu(II) were studied in batch sorption experiments as bioremediators. Optimal conditions from contact time, pH, initial metal ion concentration and temperature for remediation of Zn(II) and Cu(II) were studied. Typically, the uptake of Zn(II) and Cu(II) rises with increasing pH up to 4.0. Optimal metal concentration was 150 mg/l when the maximum removal of copper and zinc was 69.5% and 30.3% respectively, was observed at initial metal concentration. Maximum uptake for metals was achieved after 15 min. The maximum biosorption for copper and zinc by selected fungi was achieved at 7.0 g of biosorbent. IR spectrum of three fungal species showed the presence of C=O groups, amine and amide N-H functional stretch.