A research abstract on the bioremediation of cyanide using Aspegillus welwitschiae.

Cyanide is a toxic compound capable of disrupting the normal functions of body cells. Bioremediation of cyanide ensures detoxification of cyanide in the environment into less toxic compounds by microorganisms via their inherent enzymatic activities. Hence, the objective of this study is to immobilize the biomass of Aspergillus welwitschae LOT1 for effective bioremediation of cyanide. The Aspergillus welwitschiae was subcultured using potato dextrose broth, and the biomass obtained after centrifugation was immobilized using agar particles. The cyanide degradation efficiency of the immobilized fungus was examined in the presence of different culture parameters such as initial cyanide concentration, pH, temperature, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, immobilized biomass, incubation period, and rotational speed. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of cyanide by Aspergillus welwitschiae was optimum at pH 10, 50˚C, and 50 mM cyanide concentration. Other parameters, such as fructose as a carbon source and peptone as a nitrogen source, enhanced cyanide degradation more than other synthetic carbon and nitrogen sources. The highest degradation efficiency was also recorded after 48 hours, with a rotational speed of 200 rpm. Under optimum conditions, Aspergillus welwitschiae exhibited almost 100% cyanide removal. This study has confirmed A. welwitschiae as an effective environmental tool. The organism is not only safe for the environment, but it has also shown high efficiency for cyanide bioremediation.