Bioaccumulation and biosorption of Co2+ by Neurospora crassa

• Published in: Biotechnology letters Vol. 18; no. 10; pp. 1205 - 1208
• Main Authors: Karna, R.R, Sajana, L.S, Mohan, P.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.10.1996
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biology of microorganisms of confirmed or potential industrial interest; Biotechnology; environmental degradation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Miscellaneous; Mission oriented research; pollution; waste management; Microbial biomass; Recovery; Heavy metal; Fungi; Resistance; Sorption; Decontamination; Industrial waste water; Aqueous medium; Cobalt II Ions; Ascomycetes; Neurospora crassa; Biological accumulation; Application; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0141-5492; 1573-6776
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00128593

Mycelial biomass of wild type and a Co(2+)-resistant N. crassa (cor) was used to remove Co(2+) from aqueous media. Mycelia obtained from growth in nitrate N-medium (NaNO3) was more effective than ammonium N-medium (NH4NO3), in removing Co(2+). Co(2+)-resistant N. crassa cor was more efficient than wild type in removing Co(2+) from medium containing higher concentrations (500 mg/L). Metal removal was linear up to 12 h at which 35-60% Co(2+) is depleted from medium, reaching near saturation by 24 h (90% removal). Co(2+) removal was as efficient even from pure solutions and sodium azide inhibited the process up to 60%. Cell walls prepared from nitrate N-medium grown mycelia bound 3-5 fold more Co(2+) when compared to ammonium N-medium. The importance of bioaccumulation and biosorption in bioremediating toxic metal ions from effluents is discussed.