Biosorption and Biodegradation of Humic Substances by Trichoderma viride
Mira Peirović1, Felicita Briški2, Marija Kaštelan-Macan1
1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry,
2Laboratory of Industrial Ecology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 41000 Zagreb
Article history:
Received September 13, 1993
Accepted October 21, 1993
Summary:
Mycelial pellets of Trichoderma viride were used for biodegradation of naturally occurring and commercial humic substances from aqueous solutions. Experiments were carried out at 25 °C and pH = 6.0. Removal of humic substances from the aqueous phase was monitored by following the COD-elimination, fungal growth and decrease of absorbance at 370 nm. Within 10 days 42 % of HAS (soil humic acids), 44 % of FAS (soil fulvic acids) and 67 % of HAF (Fluka humic acids) were removed from the solution. It was found thai beside degradation, adsorption of humic substances onto fungal mycelia play a significant role in this process.
