Effect of amino acids on biomineralization of lead ions by Aspergillus niger

Abstract

This study investigates the biomineralization of lead ions by Aspergillus niger from aqueous environments, focusing on the dynamic effects of fungal metabolism and biological components. Three biomolecules (glutamate, methionine, and lysine) were used to induce lead oxalate mineralization under lead stress. Comparative experiments were conducted to analyze the growth characteristics and Pb (II) removal ability of A. niger, as well as the morphological and structural properties of the resulting lead oxalate minerals using ICP‐MS, XRD and SEM‐EDS techniques. The findings reveal that A. niger plays a crucial role in controlling the mineralization process of Pb (II), with biomineralization experiments demonstrating the specific morphogenesis of lead oxalate over time. Additionally, the inclusion of the three biomolecules in the system indirectly influenced the rate of Pb (II) removal and mineral morphology. These results contribute to a better understanding of A. niger‐mediated biomineralization process of lead oxalate and suggest its potential application in the removal of Pb (II) from aqueous environments, particularly in combination with amino acids for enhanced immobilization and mineral recovery.