The removal of heavy metals from aqueous effluents by immobilised fungal biomass

Abstract

Results₂₊ are presented showing the removal of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from solution by immobilised biomass of the filamentous fungus Rhizopus arrhizus. A number of factors affecting metal uptake have also been studied using Cd²⁺ uptake as a model system. Uptake was decreased by acid pH, low temperature and the presence of competing cations and complexing agents but was unaffected by low levels of organic compounds and alkali metals. Regeneration and reuse of the biomass was possible using O.HC1 as eluent.