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Biosorption of cesium and strontium from aqueous solution by Aspergillus flavus biomass

Summary

This research demonstrates that dead fungal biomass from Aspergillus flavus can effectively remove radioactive cesium and strontium from contaminated water, offering an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional treatment methods. The fungus shows excellent ability to capture strontium ions (90% removal) and can be reused multiple times by treating it with nitric acid. This finding is particularly relevant following nuclear accidents like Fukushima and provides a sustainable solution for treating radioactive wastewater from nuclear facilities.

Background

Nuclear facilities generate radioactive waste containing long-lived isotopes such as cesium-137 and strontium-90, which pose significant environmental and health risks due to their mobility and persistence. Traditional wastewater treatment methods are costly and inefficient, necessitating the exploration of alternative biosorbents for radionuclide removal.

Objective

This study investigates the potential of Aspergillus flavus dead fungal biomass as a green biosorbent for the removal of cesium (Cs⁺) and strontium (Sr²⁺) ions from aqueous solutions, evaluating key parameters including pH, contact time, temperature, and competitive ion effects.

Results

Optimal removal occurred at pH 5 for Sr²⁺ (~90%) and pH 8 for Cs⁺ (~27%), with equilibrium reached within 15 minutes. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided excellent fit (R² > 0.97), and Freundlich isotherm best described the data with maximum capacities of 211.1 mg/g (Sr²⁺) and 26.7 mg/g (Cs⁺). The biosorbent showed excellent reusability for three cycles using 0.1 M HNO₃ as eluent.

Conclusion

Aspergillus flavus dead biomass proves to be a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biosorbent for nuclear wastewater treatment, demonstrating superior selectivity for Sr²⁺, excellent chemical stability, and successful regeneration through multiple cycles. The biosorption mechanisms involve ion exchange, surface complexation, and electrostatic interactions.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-11603-9, PMC12277413, PMID: 40685428
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