Chromium biosorption onto a locally isolated Cr (Vl) tolerant Gliocladium viride ZIC2063 and phytotoxicity studies

Abstract

This report is based on the investigations of the effect of initial concentration of Cr (VI) ions, biosorbent dosage and effect of static and agitated conditions on the biosorption of Cr (VI) in aqueous solution using Gliocladium viride ZIC2063 biomass in a batch biosorption process.The percentage removal of Cr (VI) ions from solutions was maximum at 200 mg/L initial Cr (VI) concentration after 35 min. The removal of Cr (VI) was 100% at biosorbent dose of 3.0 g, but uptake capacity “q” (mg/g) of Cr (VI) ions decreased with further increase in biosorbent dosage. The efficiency of biosorbent increases under agitated conditions. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used in equilibrium modeling. The Langmuir isotherm provided the best correlation for Cr (VI) onto the Gliocladium viride ZIC2063. Phytotoxicity assays were carried out with treated and untreated wastewater against Pisum sativum to provide a preliminary assessment of treated effluent suitability for land application. Results suggested that Cr (VI) toxicity against Pisum sativum reduced to 75% after effluent treatment with Gliocladium viride ZIC2063