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Propagation of Rhizopus javanicus Biosorbent
M E Treen-Sears1, S M Martin, B Volesky
1Division of Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada KIA 0R6; and Biochemical Engineering Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada H3A 2A7.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Rhizopus javanicus biomass effectively sequesters cupric ions. Supplementing growth media with mineral salts enhances biosorbent capacity and yield, optimizing bioremediation potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Mycology
Background:
- Rhizopus biomass is a potential biosorbent for heavy metals.
- Understanding factors influencing biosorption capacity is crucial for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biosorption of cupric ions by nonliving Rhizopus javanicus biomass.
- To determine the effects of mineral salt augmentation on growth and metal uptake.
- To assess the impact of various metal ions on Rhizopus javanicus growth.
Main Methods:
- Propagation of Rhizopus javanicus in defined media.
- Assaying the sequestration of cupric ions by nonliving biomass.
- Evaluating the influence of mineral salt and metal ion concentrations on growth and uptake capacity.
Main Results:
- Mineral salt augmentation significantly increased uptake capacity and biosorptive yield.
- Trace metal addition improved the uptake capacity of stationary-phase mycelia.
- Metal ion toxicity order was Cu > Co >/= Ni > Mn > Mo; Zn was non-inhibitory, Cr was stimulatory then inhibitory.
- High salt concentration supported exponential growth and high biosorptive yield.
Conclusions:
- Rhizopus biomass exhibits powerful biosorbent characteristics for cupric ions.
- Optimizing growth conditions with mineral salts enhances biosorption efficiency.
- Trace mineral depletion in culture limits Rhizopus biomass growth, impacting overall biosorption potential.