Abstract
Biosorption is a promising alternative method to replace the existing conventional technique for Cr(VI) removal from the industrial effluent. In the present experimental design, the removal of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution was studied by Aspergillus niger MSR4 under different environmental conditions in the batch systems. The optimum conditions of biosorption were determined by investigating pH (2.0) and temperature (27°C). The effects of parameters such as biomass dosage (g/L), initial Cr(VI) concentration (mg/L) and contact time (min) on Cr(VI) biosorption were analyzed using a three parameter Box–Behnken design (BBD). The experimental data well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm, in comparison to the other isotherm models tested. The results of the D-R isotherm model suggested that a chemical ion-exchange mechanism was involved in the biosorption process. The biosorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicates that the rate limiting step is chemisorption process. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic studies revealed the possible involvement of functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino and carbonyl group in the biosorption process. The thermodynamic parameters for Cr(VI) biosorption were also calculated, and the negative ∆Gº values indicated the spontaneous nature of biosorption process.
Highlights
Increase in industrialization and anthropogenic activities have emerged as a major problem in recent years due to the release of large amounts of heavy metals as waste directly into the surface waters, ponds and rivers
The fungal strain MSR4 was isolated from hexavalent chromium contaminated soil and was identified through molecular level characterization
The fungus, Aspergillus niger MSR4, isolated from Cr(VI) contaminated soil was efficiently used for the biosorptive removal of Cr(VI) from an aqueous solution
Summary
Increase in industrialization and anthropogenic activities have emerged as a major problem in recent years due to the release of large amounts of heavy metals as waste directly into the surface waters, ponds and rivers. The effluents of textile, tannery, electroplating, metal finishing, metallurgical, leather tanning, dye, wood preservation and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0116884 March 18, 2015
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