Biosorption of lead (II) ions by lead-tolerant fungal biomass isolated from electroplating industry effluent

The increasing concerns about the toxicity of heavy metal has prompted the adoption of biosorption processes as cost-effective and eco-friendly methods for heavy metal removal. Lead (Pb(II)) at elevated concentrations has been reported to pose significant threats to human health and ecosystems. This study aimed to explore the efficiency of the fungal strain, Aspergillus niger, isolated from electroplating industry effluent, in removing Pb(II) ions. Various process variables, including pH (3–7), biomass concentration (0.5–1.5 g/mL), initial Pb(II) ions concentration (90–210 mg/L), contact time (30–90 min) and temperature (10–50 °C), were investigated through Box–Behnken design for their effects on Pb(II) ions removal efficiency. Results showed that a maximum removal efficiency of 97% was achieved under pH of 5.0, biomass concentration of 1.0 g/mL, initial Pb(II) ions concentration of 150 mg/L, contact time of 60 min and temperature of 30 °C. Principal component analysis was applied to further analyze the correlation between the studied variables which revealed that PC1 and PC2 accounting for 36.43% of the total variance. The present study addresses the issues at serial number 6 and 9 which are listed among two of the 17 Sustainable Development Goal adopted by UN General Assembly in 2015 which is based on “clean water and sanitation for all” and “building resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. Therefore, the utilization of A. niger offers an economically viable and environmental friendly approach for effective removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous media.