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Nano-bioremediation of metal-polluted industrial wastewater using myco-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles derived from Aspergillus niger AUMC 16028

Summary

Scientists have developed a green method to clean polluted industrial water using specially grown fungal nanoparticles. These tiny iron particles, made from Aspergillus niger fungus, can effectively remove dangerous heavy metals like copper, zinc, and iron from contaminated water. This eco-friendly approach is cheaper and safer than traditional chemical methods, offering a promising solution for protecting our water resources.

Background

Heavy metals in industrial wastewater pose serious ecological and environmental threats. Biogenic nanoadsorbents offer a green alternative to traditional chemical and physical removal methods. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have shown promise for heavy metal remediation due to their large surface area and magnetic properties.

Objective

To biosynthesize green iron oxide nanoparticles using cell-free extract from heavy metal-resistant fungi for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. To identify the most effective fungal strain and optimize IONP production conditions for practical wastewater treatment applications.

Results

Optimal conditions for IONP myco-synthesis were: 8 g/L yeast extract, 40°C reaction temperature, and 6 days culture period. Myco-synthesized IONPs achieved removal efficiencies of 92.47% for Cu²⁺, 84.76% for Mn²⁺, 80.79% for Cr³⁺, 72.77% for Fe³⁺, and 70.28% for Zn²⁺ in synthetic wastewater. In industrial effluent, removal efficiencies were 90.74% for Fe³⁺ and 78.75% for Zn²⁺.

Conclusion

Myco-synthesized IONPs from Aspergillus niger AUMC 16028 effectively remove heavy metals from both synthetic and industrial wastewater. This green, environmentally friendly approach offers a promising alternative for long-term industrial wastewater bioremediation and sustainable water resource management.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41057528, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-19925-4
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