Evaluation of the lead removal capacity of Cladosporium sp.

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic metal that can contaminate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify a filamentous fungus capable of removing Pb. Removal experiments were conducted at Pb concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 350, and 500 mg L-1. The parameters evaluated were hyphal morphology, Pb removal efficiency, elemental composition and fungal biomass production. Fungi strain was identified as Cladosporium sp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed morphological changes at 350 and 500 mg L-1, including shorter, more compact, and deformed hyphae with granular deposits on their surface. Biomass production was not significantly affected, although reduced growth was observed at the highest Pb levels. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed Pb accumulation on the fungal surface, reaching 11.3% of the elemental composition in the 500 mg L-1 treatment. Pb removal efficiency increased with concentration and reached a maximum value of 97.3%.