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

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study investigates the efficiency of Aspergillus flavus for biosorption and adsorption of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions, a topic with significant environmental implications. By examining key variables such as temperature, pH, contact time, and initial chromium concentration, this research identifies optimal conditions for maximum chromium removal and adsorption capacity, achieving an impressive 99.96% removal efficiency at pH 4.0. The study not only elucidates the rapid kinetics and high capacity of chromium binding to fungal biomass but also underscores the potential of A. flavus as a sustainable solution for heavy metal remediation in water treatment practices, paving the way for future scalability and practical applications in real-world scenarios. Full 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.