Biosorption of chromium by the spores of Aspernigillus niger

Quite a number of reports are available on metal binding capacity of different groups of microorganisms. However, reports on the fungal spores are quite inadequate. In the present study the effect of Aspergillums niger spores dosage, initial solution pH and adsorption temperature on the uptake of Cr (VI) by spores of A. niger from aqueous solution were investigated. Batch experiments were carried out in order to model and optimize the biosorption process. The influence of three parameters on the uptake of Cr (VI) was described. Optimum Cr (VI) uptake of 99.9 mg/g Cr (VI) biomass was achieved at pH 2, biomass dosage of 2g/L and 30◦C. The biosorption mechanism was also investigated by using Fourier transfer infrared (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of biomass and Cr (VI) loaded biomass.