Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Groundwater by a Fungal Adsorption Process

摘要

The metal adsorption behavior of 12 species of fungi was investigated using batch reactors. Specific surface area and surface characteristics of the fungal biomass were determined. Two typical fungal species, Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were chosen for further investigation. Factors such as growth conditions, pretreatment of biomass and pH of the metal solution were thoroughly studied. The results indicate that the optimum growth condition for metal take-up by A. oryzae biomass was at the C/N ratio of 10 - 15. The amounts of Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) removal increased with pH. The removal of Pb(II) by fungal biomass is pH-independent. Metal-laden fungal biomass can be regenerated by acid-washing. Moreover, the acid-washing is the most effective pretreatment of biomass for heavy metal removal.