An investigation on tolerance and accumulation of a facultative marine fungus Aspergillus flavus to pentavalent arsenic

Tolerance of a facultative marine fungus Aspergillus flavus towards As (V) was tested. Luxuriant growth of the test isolate was observed in culture media with As (V) concentrations of 25 mg L⁻¹ and 50 mg L⁻¹, indicating its tolerance to the metal. Accumulation rate of arsenic was always higher when exposed to As (V) at 50 mg L⁻¹ than at 25 mg L⁻¹. The study reveals Aspergillus flavus as a promising candidate for environmental bioremediation. Arsenic contents (mg g⁻¹) in the fungus when exposed to 50 mg L⁻¹ As (V) were measured as 11.1773, 4.0983, and 8.0000 mg g⁻¹ on day 3, 6 and 9, respectively. The highest content was observed initially, i.e. on day 3, followed by a decline and a rise again. These results provide baseline information for further explorations regarding the exploitation of the fungus for arsenic removal.