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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Bioremediation of water contaminated with uranium usingPenicillium piscarium

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Author(s):
Coelho, Ednei [1] ; Reis, Tatiana Alves [1] ; Cotrim, Marycel [2] ; Rizzutto, Marcia [3] ; Correa, Benedito [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Microbiol, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Lab Micotoxinas, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 1374, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Inst Pesquisa Energet & Nucl, Ctr Quim & Meio Ambiente CQMA, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo IF USP, Dept Fis Nucl, Inst Fis, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS; v. 36, n. 5 JUN 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Penicillium piscariumcan be indicated as promising in the treatment of sites contaminated with uranium. Thus, this research aimed to analyze theP. piscariumdead biomass in uranium biosorption. This fungus was previously isolated from a highly contaminated uranium mine located in Brazil. Biosorption tests were carried out at pH 3.5 and 5.5 in solutions contaminated with concentrations of 1 to 100 mg/L of uranium nitrate. Our results showed that the dead biomass ofP. piscariumwas able to remove between 93.2 and 97.5% uranium from solutions at pH 3.5, at the end of the experiment, the pH of the solution increased to values above 5.6. Regarding the experiments carried out in solutions with pH 5.5, the dead biomass of the fungus was also able to remove between 38 and 92% uranium from the solution, at the end of the experiment, the pH of the solution increased to levels above 6.5. The analysis of electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence demonstrated the high concentration of uranium precipitated on the surface of the fungal biomass. These results were impressive and demonstrate that the dead biomass ofP. piscariumcan be an important alternative to conventional processes for treating water contaminated with heavy metals, and we hope that these ecofriendly, inexpensive, and effective technologies be encouraged for the safe discharge of water from industrial activities. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/06757-1 - Isolation of fungi with potential for bioremediation of heavy metals and radionuclides in uranium mine Osamu Utsumi
Grantee:Ednei Assunção Antunes Coelho
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate