The potential of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in bioaccumulation of heavy metals from the Chemu Lagoon, Ghana
Abstract
Objectives: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by fungi has been a major focus of most bioremediation studies owing to the excellent metal binding properties of the fungal cell wall. The capability of fungi isolated from sediments of the Chemu Lagoon to bioaccumulate heavy metals in lagoon water was investigated.
Methodology and Results: Fungi were isolated using pour plate technique and sub cultured to obtain pure cultures. Fungi isolated included Aspergillus candidus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. tamarii, Mucor rouxii, Penicillium notatum and Rhizopus sp. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were selected for heavy metals bioaccumulation studies on PDB-amended with lagoon water in ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 1:5 respectively for 3 weeks. Lead and Iron were the most bioaccumulated metals in A. niger and A. fumigatus with levels of 36.92 mg/L and 73.09 mg/L respectively. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by both fungi during the wet season was higher than the dry and semi-wet seasons.
Conclusions and applications of findings: Both Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger have good potential for the remediation of heavy metals in polluted water bodies. Comparatively A. fumigatus is a good candidate for Arsenic accumulation whilst A. niger is good candidate for Cadmium. The relatively longer period of inoculation of media with fungi is essential in increasing the levels of toxic metals accumulated by fungi. The ability of A. fumigatus and A. niger to bioaccumulate less toxic metals such as Iron, Lead and Zinc at high concentrations in the presence of more toxic metals could imply their versatility in tolerating and or bioaccumulating both classes of metals.
Key words: Bioaccumulation potential, fungi, heavy metals, Aspergillus, Chemu lagoon.
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