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

Authors

  • Tafinta, I. Y. Plant Science Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto- Nigeria Author
  • Kutama, A. S. Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State- Nigeria Author
  • Yunoos Bn Abd Shakor Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra, Malaysia Author
  • Musa, H. Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria- Kaduna State- Nigeria Author
  • Hayatu, N. G. Soil Science Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto- Nigeria Author

DOI:

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

Keywords:

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

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.

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Published

2024-06-30

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Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024)

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How to Cite

Tafinta, I. Y., Kutama, A. S., Bn Abd Shakor, 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

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