Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Environmental Research Center, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Dhi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
2
Marshes Research Center, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64001 Iraq
3
Marshes Research Center, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64001 Iraq.
4
Microbiology Department, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Dhi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
Abstract
Non-living fungal biomass of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terries, Rhizopus raezea, and Rhizopus oligosporium was investigated for its potential to reduce heavy metal concentrations—lead (0.96 ppm), cadmium (0.122 ppm), and copper (0.67 ppm)—in wastewater collected from the Nasiriyah station in Dhi Qar. The results showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) in metal concentrations within a 24-hour period. The fungal biomass achieved reductions ranging from 16.4% to 100% for lead, 19.7% to 100% for cadmium, and 18.9% to 100% for copper. Aspergillus niger demonstrated the highest efficiency, achieving complete removal (100%) of all three heavy metals, highlighting its superior bioremediation capability. In contrast, Rhizopus raezea exhibited the lowest efficiency, with removal rates between 16.5% and 19.68%. These findings underscore the potential of non-living fungal biomass, particularly Aspergillus niger, as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method for the removal of heavy metal contaminants from industrial wastewater. Future research should focus on optimizing biomass conditions, scaling up for industrial applications, and investigating the reusability of fungal biomass for enhanced efficiency.
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