Effect of pH on Trace Elements Removal from Batteries and Compact Disks by Aspergillus terreus Pellets.

Background: The aim of this study is the removal of three trace elements (Nickle Ni, Cadmium Cd and Lead Pb) by an environmentally friendly method from Batteries and compact discs. This study aimed to rapidly remove trace elements from E-waste (batteries) by filamentous fungi pellets. Methods: Aspergillus was the best heavy metal tolerated isolate under the following incubation parameters: pH (5), temperature (25°C), ground electronic waste powder doses (0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/L) absorbed by fungal pellets biomass 10 gm/L of wet weight. Result: The results showed the best removal percentage R% of Ni, Cd and Pb removal were (89, 91 and 96) observed at pH 5. Images from SEM showed accumulations of metal particles on the surface of the fungal hyphae and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to determine the effective groups in the fungal cell wall responsible of biosorption of trace elements and this study indicates that an application may be possible Aspergillus terreus as a promising candidate for biological sorption and recycling of trace elements and as an ecologically friendly and effective process in terms of time and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]