Evaluation of Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass as a biosorbent for removal and recovery of heavy metals from contaminated aqueous solutions

Abstract

The fungal biomass was found to be efficient for the removal of Cu+2 and some heavy metal ions. The biosorption process of copper(II) by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass was affected by changing of time, temperature, pH, metal ions concentration, the presence of some heavy metals, and biomass concentration. The rate of Cu+2 uptake from Cu+2solution proceeded rapidly, and it appeared to be virtually complete during the initial 5 min (92%); the maximum uptake of Cu+2 appeared at 30 °C, pH 5, and biomass concentration 5 g w/w. On the other hand, the fungal biomass was to remove considerable proportion of Pb2+, Co+2, Ni2+, Fe+3, and Cr3+ in addition to Cu2+. The uptake of Cu+2 by pretreated biomass was studied. Recovery of the sorbed metal ions by desorbing agents and the potential reuse of the regenerated biomass in metal ions uptake (reloading) were evaluated.