Mycogenic TiO2 nanoparticles for remedying toxic metals in industrial wastewater and their toxicity profiling

Introduction Heavy metal pollution, particularly cadmium and chromium, poses a global environmental challenge due to its detrimental effects. Nanobioremediation is an advanced approach to remediate heavy metal contamination. Bioactive molecules extracted from Aspergillus penicillioides VDRVYF serve as a stabilising and capping agent for producing TiO 2 nanoparticles. This study presents an eco-friendly approach using fungus-mediated TiO 2 nanoparticles to remove heavy metal ions from industrial effluents. Methodology The research adopted a comprehensive approach, employing batch adsorption studies, adsorption kinetics, and heavy metal analysis via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The collected effluent samples from the battery and automobile industries were treated with 50 μg/mL TiO 2 nanoparticles for 5 hours under sunlight. Physicochemical analysis was carried out, and the results were compared with the CPCB standard limit. Additionally, desorption and reuse studies were performed. Furthermore, toxicity assays were conducted to evaluate cytotoxic effects on living cells. Results AAS determines the optimal conditions for the adsorption of heavy metals employing Aspergillus penicillioides VDRVYF-mediated TiO 2 nanoparticles. The physicochemical parameters of untreated wastewater samples exceeded CPCB standards, rendering direct discharge infeasible. However, treated samples showed over 72% metal ion adsorption, with physicochemical parameters falling within permissible limits. Reusability studies revealed that the nanoparticles adsorption efficiency was maintained for upto six cycles, with a final rate of 65.2%. Furthermore, phytotoxicity and the MTT assay confirmed the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that bio-based TiO 2 nanoparticles are a promising agent for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment, effectively reducing heavy metal contamination.