Abstract

ACOSTA, I.; MOCTEZUMA-ZARATE, M. G.; GUTIERREZ, C.  and  RODRIGUEZ, X.. Biosorption of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solutions by Fungal Biomass of Cryptococcus neoformans and Helminthosporium sp. Inf. tecnol. [online]. 2005, vol.16, n.1, pp.11-15. ISSN 0718-0764.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-07642005000100003.

A determination was made on the biosorption of dissolved Chromium (VI) using cellular biomass of the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and the mycelial fungus Helminthosporium sp. using a diphenylcarbazide colorimetric method. The C. neoformans biomass was more efficient in removing Chromium (VI) from solution (98%) than the Helminthosporium sp. (65%). The highest biosorption for C. neoformans was at pH 2.0 + 0.02, while for Helminthosporium sp this occurred at pH 4.0 + 0.2 , both at 28°C for 24 h employing 0.2 mg/L of cellular biomass. It is concluded that the fungal biomasses efficiently removed Chromium (VI) from solution and could be used for decontamination of aquatic habitats polluted with this metal.

Keywords : pollution control; chromium (VI); biosorption; fungal biomass; wastewater.