Biosorption of cadmium by powdered dead Aspergillus niger

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solution by using powdered dead of aspergillus niger
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Ibtisam M. B. El-Dhuwaib, Fawzi S. Al- Zubaidi and Alaa M. Y. Al-arraji


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solution by using powdered dead of aspergillus niger

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Biosorption is an emerging technique for the removal and recovery of toxic heavy metals from aqueous environments, which is increasingly important due to the environmental risks associated with pollutants like cadmium (Cd). This study, conducted by Ibtisam M. B. El-Dhuwaib and colleagues at the University of Baghdad, investigates the biosorption capacity of the fungus Aspergillus niger (A. niger) for cadmium ions in wastewater sourced from a batteries factory in Baghdad, Iraq. The research focuses on optimizing key parameters such as pH, temperature, and contact time to enhance cadmium removal efficacy.

Optimization of pH and Temperature for Cadmium Removal

The study found that the optimal pH for cadmium biosorption by A. niger was 6, where the absorption efficiency reached a notable 57%. In comparison, lower pH levels (2 and 3) significantly reduced metal uptake, likely due to the negative charge of microbial surfaces that favors metal binding at slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Additionally, the optimum temperature for effective cadmium uptake was determined to be 40°C. Higher temperatures were shown to enhance biosorption, indicating an increased interaction between the fungal biomass and cadmium ions.

Contact Time: A Key Factor in Biosorption Efficiency

The effect of contact time was also explored, revealing that maximum cadmium removal (80%) occurred at a contact time of 3 hours. The study established that shorter (1 hour) and longer (24 hours) contact durations resulted in lower biosorption efficiencies. This finding underlines the importance of optimizing residence time during biosorption processes to achieve high levels of contaminant removal with minimal operational delay.

Mechanism Behind Cadmium Uptake

The underlying mechanism of cadmium biosorption by A. niger involves the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cadmium ions and the negatively charged surfaces of the fungal biomass at optimal pH levels. As the pH of the solution influenced the ionization state of the functional groups on the fungal cell wall, this interaction facilitates the binding of cadmium ions to the biomass, leading to effective pollutant removal. The increase in temperature not only enhances the availability of functional groups but also promotes higher rates of diffusion and interaction between the cadmium ions and the biosorbent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the research demonstrates that Aspergillus niger possesses significant potential for the biosorption of cadmium from contaminated aqueous solutions. The optimal biosorption conditions were identified as a pH of 6, a contact time of 3 hours, and a temperature of 40°C. The findings highlight the exothermic nature of cadmium biosorption and suggest that the physical interactions between the fungal biomass and cadmium ions play a crucial role in the biosorption process. This study contributes valuable insights into the application of microbial biosorbents for environmental cleanup efforts, particularly in industries prone to heavy metal pollution.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the focus of El-Dhuwaib et al.'s research?

The research focused on biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions using powdered dead Aspergillus niger isolated from battery factory wastewater.

What are the optimal pH and temperature for cadmium biosorption?

The optimal pH for cadmium biosorption was found to be 6, and the best temperature was 40 °C, which maximized the uptake of Cd(II) ions.

How does pH affect cadmium biosorption by A. niger?

The biosorption efficiency significantly varies with pH, peaking at pH 6. Lower pH levels resulted in reduced cadmium binding due to changes in ionization states.

What was the relationship between contact time and cadmium removal?

Contact time significantly impacted cadmium removal, with maximum efficiency achieved at 3 hours, after which the binding capacity stabilized.

What are the potential health hazards of cadmium exposure?

Cadmium is toxic and can cause severe health issues, including kidney damage, bone diseases, and cancer due to chronic exposure.

What materials were used for biosorption experiments?

Powdered dead biomass of Aspergillus niger was used as the biosorbent for conducting cadmium uptake experiments in aqueous solutions.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Biosorption of cadmium by powdered dead Aspergillus niger”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The keyword 'Study' refers to a systematic investigation of the biosorption capacity of the fungal species *Aspergillus niger* for cadmium ions. This research embodies an experimental approach to understanding how various factors (pH, temperature, and contact time) affect the efficiency of biosorption, providing important insights into environmental remediation techniques.

2) Surface:
In the context of this research, 'Surface' pertains to the outer area of the *Aspergillus niger* fungal biomass, which is significant for biosorption. The surface contains charged functional groups that interact with cadmium ions in solution, facilitating their binding and eventual removal from aqueous environments, thereby underscoring its importance in pollutant mitigation.

3) Species:
The term 'Species' in the article specifically refers to *Aspergillus niger*, a type of fungus that has shown potential for bioremediation, particularly in the absorption of heavy metals like cadmium. Understanding the characteristics of this species aids in identifying biological agents that can effectively remove toxins from contaminated environments.

4) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context indicates the systematic study of natural phenomena, particularly in environmental biology or mycology. This research exemplifies scientific inquiry through experiments that measure the effectiveness of *Aspergillus niger* in removing cadmium from water, contributing to the broader understanding of biosorption mechanisms in contaminated water treatment.

5) Water:
'Water' is the medium used for conducting the biosorption experiments in this study. The effectiveness of *Aspergillus niger* in removing cadmium from aqueous solutions is vital for demonstrating an innovative method for wastewater treatment, which is crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems and human health from metal contamination.

6) Powder:
'Powder' refers to the form in which the dried *A. niger* biomass is processed for biosorption experiments. The powdered state increases the surface area for interaction with cadmium ions, thereby enhancing the biosorption efficiency. This manipulation of physical properties is critical for optimizing the performance of biosorbents.

7) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulation' describes the process by which cadmium ions are taken up and concentrated by the *Aspergillus niger* biomass during biosorption. This term is crucial as it illustrates the efficacy of the biosorption method, indicating that pollutants can be sequestered from contaminated waters and managed effectively through biological means.

8) Discussion:
'Discussion' suggests the analytical conversation surrounding the results of the biosorption experiments. This section interprets and contextualizes the findings, providing insights into the implications of the research for environmental practices, examining how variables affect cadmium removal, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue about bioremediation technologies.

9) Disease:
'Disease' is mentioned in the context of cadmium exposure, highlighting its potential health impacts, which include kidney damage, bone diseases, and cancer. Discussing disease emphasizes the importance of effective wastewater management strategies to reduce environmental toxins and protect public health, linking environmental science with health science.

10) Santhi (Shamthi):
'Santhi' appears to be a reference to another researcher or study that has investigated similar biosorption processes. This citation supports the credibility of the current research by linking it to existing literature, fostering academic discourse, and allowing for comparative analyses of different biosorbents and their efficiencies.

11) Cancer:
'Cancer' is mentioned as a serious health concern associated with cadmium exposure. Highlighting cancer underscores the urgent need for effective removal techniques for toxic metals like cadmium from environmental sources, further establishing the relevance of the study in addressing significant public health risks related to heavy metal contamination.

12) Purity:
'Purity' relates to the quality of the cadmium sulfur salt used in the experiments. High purity (minimum 99%) is essential to ensure that the experimental results reflect the true biosorption capacity of *A. niger*, without interference from impurities that could skew the data and affect the study's reliability.

13) Medium:
'Medium' refers to the environment in which the biosorption occurs, specifically the aqueous condition of the experiments. This term is critical as it sets the stage for the interaction between *A. niger* and cadmium, determining the experimental conditions that affect the efficiency of the biosorption process.

14) Killing (Killed):
'Killed' describes the method of biomass preparation where the fungal cells are rendered inactive through autoclaving. This step ensures that the experiments measure metal uptake by the dead biomass, a crucial aspect of studying biosorption, as it removes the potential variability introduced by live cell metabolism.

15) Glass:
'Glass' in this research context likely refers to the glassware used during the experiments, such as Petri dishes and Erlenmeyer flasks. The use of glass materials is vital in laboratory settings for their chemical resistance and cleanliness, reducing contamination risks and ensuring reliable results in biological studies.

16) Table:
'Table' signifies the presentation of data in organized formats, such as a summary of experimental results regarding cadmium biosorption. Tables facilitate the clear communication of quantitative findings, allowing easier comparison and analysis of the effects of variables like contact time and pH on biosorption efficiency.

17) Wall:
'Wall' refers to the structure of the fungal cells, specifically the cell wall that interacts with cadmium ions during the biosorption process. The characteristics of the cell wall, including its charge and functional groups, play a crucial role in binding heavy metals, making it a focal point in understanding biosorption mechanisms.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Biosorption of cadmium by powdered dead Aspergillus niger’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ph, Statistical analysis, Polluted water, Significant difference, Temperature, Research article, Analytical grade, Temperature effect, Aspergillus niger, Toxic heavy metal, Aqueous solution, Wastewater treatment, Optimal Conditions, Heavy metal ion, Bacterial cell wall.

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