Biotransformation dynamics of chromium(VI) detoxification using Aspergillus flavus system

The present study demonstrated a better understating of mechanism and rate controlling factors for biosorption isotherms and kinetics with special focus on the growing biomass. The experimental results were fitted well to the Langmuir, Freundlich, generalized (combined Langmuir-Freundlich), Boyd isotherm as well as the pseudo-first, pseudo second-order kinetic equations, and Elovich modeling. The Q(m) value (16.13 mg g (1)) obtained is quite promising and can be considered for the experimentation at pilot plant scale for real wastewater treatment. The glucose was the best source utilized by the Aspergillus flaus for Cr(VI) transformation (99.2%) and Cr(VI) removal (89.76%). The biosorption isotherm models constants values express the surface properties and affinity of the biosorbent. The linear lines of the A. flavus more close to the origin clearly indicated the particle boundary layer diffusion mechanism for Cr(VI) transformation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.