Bioremediation potential of a copper-resistant Trichoderma strain for copper-containing wastewater

Based on the advantages of fungi as a bioremediation agent for copper-containing wastewater,bioremediation potential of Trichoderma reesei FS10-C for copper-containing wastewater was investigated.Flask tests were conducted on analyzing the development,growth and accumulation rate of FS10-C under copper stress in aqueous solutions.Scanning electron microscope(SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis(EDX) were used to observe the morphology and element variations of FS10-C,and bio-safety assessment of the strain was also performed.The results show that the spore of FS10-C can grow and develop in aqueous solutions with pH of(4.0±0.2)-(5.6±0.2) and Cu(Ⅱ) concentration below 600 mg/L.Copper accumulation rates of FS10-C under 100,200 and 400 mg/L Cu(Ⅱ) concentrations were 50.6%,30.3% and 4.7%,respectively.The SEM showed no morphological variation in FS10-C at 100 mg/L Cu(Ⅱ) and mostly complete cell structure at 400 mg/L Cu(Ⅱ).EDX results showed that weight percentages of copper in FS10-C were 18.50% and 30.40% at 100 and 400 mg/L Cu(Ⅱ),respectively,and biosorption ability of mycelium was higher than that of spore.Bio-safety assessment indicated that both FS10-C and its metabolites were harmless to human and animal health.The results suggest that Trichoderma reesei FS10-C may be a good bioremediation agent for copper-containing wastewater.