Lead and Chromium Bioremediation Potential of Rhizopus sp isolated from a landfill in Sudan

The harmful effect of heavy metals on the environment has necessitated the need for their removal through efficient and cost-effective methods. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of Rhizopus sp. to remove lead and chromium from the polluted water. The fungus was isolated in potato dextrose medium supplemented with lead or chromium at 50 μg/ml concentrations. Tolerance to heavy metals was determined by exposing fungi to different concentrations of lead and chromium (0, 10, 20, 50, 100 μg/ml). The exposure time was one week under optimum conditions. The results showed that the isolated fungus was able to remove lead (50%) and chromium (37%), and to biosorb and accumulate lead and chromium inside its cells up to 4000% and 300% of that of the control, respectively. These results suggest that the isolated fungus can be used for removal of both Chromium and Lead from polluted water.