Utilization of Fungal Bioprocess in Treating Heavy Metal-Contaminated Water

Abstract

Heavy metals are discharged into surface water from industrial effluents and are hazardous pollutants for living organisms. Various techniques are used to treat heavy metal-containing wastewater. Among various methods, biosorption occupies a prominent place in heavy metal removal due to its efficiency, eco-friendly approach, and low-cost technique. This book chapter highlights and provides an overview of fungal biosorbents and their application for heavy metal removal from industrial effluents. In addition, biosorption isotherms and kinetics also comply in brief. A comprehensive literature review found that fungal biosorbents, having advantages such as wide availability, inexpensiveness, and eco-suitability, have fast kinetics and appreciable biosorption capacities. Conclusions from biosorption studies have been drawn from the literature reviewed in this book chapter. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Lawrence K. Wang, Mu-Hao Sung Wang, Yung-Tse Hung, and J. Paul Chen individual chapters, the contributors.