Efficient Removal of Chromium (VI) ions from Aqueous Solutions using Aspergillus flavus: Biosorption and Adsorption Mechanisms

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2432.015

Keywords:

Fungi, Biosorption, Aspergillus flavus, Chromium (VI), Biosorbent

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

  • This study investigates the efficiency of Aspergillus flavus for biosorption and adsorption of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions, a topic with significant environmental implications.
  • By examining key variables such as temperature, pH, contact time, and initial chromium concentration, this research identifies optimal conditions for maximum chromium removal and adsorption capacity, achieving an impressive 99.96% removal efficiency at pH 4.0.
  • The study not only elucidates the rapid kinetics and high capacity of chromium binding to fungal biomass but also underscores the potential of A. flavus as a sustainable solution for heavy metal remediation in water treatment practices, paving the way for future scalability and practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Full Abstract

This study examines the efficiency of fungal biosorption and adsorption in removing chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Aspergillus flavus, a common effluent fungus, was used as the test fungus in this study. The fungus, known for its adaptability to harsh environments, was subjected to batch experiments to assess its chromium removal capabilities. Several variables, including temperature, pH, contact time, and initial chromium concentration, significantly influenced the biosorption and adsorption processes. The results of this study demonstrate that A. flavus effectively removes chromium (VI) ions across a range of concentrations. The optimal pH for removal was identified as 4.0 and 6.0, with maximum % removal (99.96 %) and adsorption (50.42 mg/g) achieved at pH 4.0. Kinetic studies revealed that biosorption and adsorption occur rapidly, reaching equilibrium after 15 minutes (Qt = 159.201 mg/g). The maximum % biosorption and adsorption capacity were determined to be 99.96 % and 723.223 mg/g, respectively. These findings suggest that A. flavus is an efficient biosorbent for chromium (VI) ions, offering a promising solution for reducing chromium concentrations in aqueous solutions. The study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying chromium binding to fungal biomass and emphasizes the significance of optimizing operational parameters to enhance biosorption efficiency. These results advance our knowledge of fungal-based approaches for heavy metal removal from aqueous environments, with potential implications for sustainable water treatment practices. Further research is warranted to investigate the scalability and practical applications of Aspergillus flavus in real-world chromium-contaminated effluent scenarios.

Author Biographies

Ahmad Shehu Kutama, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State- Nigeria

Ahmad Shehu Kutama is a reknown professor from Department of Biological Sciences, of the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. He is currently the Dean Faculty of Science. Invoved heavily in research & teaching 

Mohd Yunus Bn Abd Shakoor, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra, Malaysia

Prof. Yunus is a very prominant scientist and a researcher both in Malaysia and Europe, A Biostatistician, Enviromental Management Expert and an Ecotoxicologist

Hannatu Musa, Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria- Kaduna State- Nigeria

Prof. Hannatu is also a Teacher and a researcher at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Nafiu Garba Hayatu, Soil Science Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto- Nigeria

Dr. Nafiu is a teacher, a researcher and also a co researcher to CAS-TWAS. He is in the department of Soil Science of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

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Published

2024-06-23

How to Cite

Tafinta, I. Y., Kutama, A. S., Bn Abd Shakoor, M. Y., Musa, H., & Hayatu, N. G. (2024). Efficient Removal of Chromium (VI) ions from Aqueous Solutions using Aspergillus flavus: Biosorption and Adsorption Mechanisms. UMYU Scientifica, 3(2), 139–145. https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2432.015