White rot fungus mediated removal of mercury from wastewater

Heavy metal contamination creates numerous problems in environment and considered as big challenge for the society. Mercury (Hg) may exert several harmful effects on human heath including nervous system, digestive system, and immune system, along with damage in lungs and kidneys, which might be fatal. In this study, the removal of Hg from the wastewater by using a whiter rot fungus Phlebia floridensis was evaluated in a batch culture system for 7 days. The fungus was also evaluated for the tolerance level of Hg and the morphological changes were studied by SEM-EDX. The fungus could tolerate up to 100 mu M of Hg concentration. Scanning electron microscopic images showed changes in the morphology and fine structures of the fungal hyphae. Atomic absorption spectroscopic analyses of the treated water sample revealed that the fungus could remove 70%-84% of Hg depending upon the initial concentration. The pH fluctuation was recorded from 5.8 to 6.8 during the experimental conditions at temperature 28 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C. Thus, the study explores the use of this fungus for the application in metal containing wastewater treatment. Practitioner Points Hg contaminated water can be treated by using white rot fungus, Phlebia floridensis. The fungus may accumulate mercury inside as well as on the surface of fungal mycelial biomass. Change in hyphal morphology was observed in the presence of lower concentration of the metal.

Automated summary

Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and societal challenge. This study evaluates the use of the white rot fungus Phlebia floridensis for the removal of mercury from wastewater. The fungus is capable of tolerating high concentrations of mercury and can remove 70% to 84% of the mercury in the treated water. The study demonstrates the potential application of this fungus for metal containing wastewater treatment.