Role of Indigenous Metallo-resistant Fungi in Remediation of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Heavy metals play significant role in daily lives of human, buildings, electronic circuitry and cars. In human body, metals exist as microelements ; also EM ions can influence cellular organelles, components, and induce oxidative stress and leads to multiple health consequences. This study aims to investigate the potential role of metallo-resistant fungi in heavy metals removal from industrial waste. A total of seven fungal strains eLFl, LF2, LF3, LF4, LF5, LF6 and LF7) were isolated from EM polluted industrial soil of Lyari Industrial Estate, Karachi, Pakistan. The absorption of HM in soil samples was regulated by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All seven strains were checked for resistance against four selected metals i.e. Chromium, Copper, Nickel and Lead used in concentration ranges from 20ppm-lOOppm. Metal resistance analysis result showed that four strains LFl , LF2, LF3 and LF5 were resistant against all metal salts at lOOppm whereas the growth of other fungal strains decreased with increasing concentration of metals. Thus these resistant isolates can be used for the purpose ofbioremediation in future.