Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (7), 217-221, July 2007          
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Biosorption of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Pb metals from petroleum refinery effluent by calcium alginate immobilized mycelia of Polyporus squamosus

Wuyep, P. A.¹* Chuma, A. G.¹, Awodi, S.¹ and Nok, A. J.²

¹Biological sciences Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

²Biochemistry Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: zhimak.wuyep@gmail.com

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 Accepted 5 June, 2007

Two samples of wastewater were collected and initial concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in wastewater were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Exponentially growing mycelia of the white rot fungus Polyporus squamosus immobilized on calcium alginate was applied to 500 ml of wastewater samples. Biosorption investigations were conducted in a stirring bioreactor. Results obtained showed significant increments in the quantity of heavy metals sequestered by immobilized live mycelia of P. squamosus as compared with empty ca-alginate beads. pH played an important role in the biosorption capability of the immobilized P. squamosus, with the fungal biomass having maximum adsorption for cationic metal ions at pH 4 - 6. The results of this investigation could provide a basis for applying the white rot fungi for an environmentally friendly and economically feasible decontamination of pollutants. 

Key words: Biosorption, white rot fungi, heavy metals, fungal biomass.