Growth media employed to culture Aspergillus niger for the production of enzyme were developed and fermentation conditions was optimized through various trials. Substrate water ratio, different nitrogen source and concentration of nitrogen source were optimized. It was observed that addition of 25% potato extract and 0.3% urea enhanced the production of - amylase by Aspergillus niger. Maximum enzyme activity was observed (102.59 IU/ml/min) in flask level at pH 4 and 37 C temperature. These optimized conditions of growth media was again used in Air-Lift fermenter and determined the activity (116.5 IU/ml/min) that is greater than flask level. This is due to proper aeration and proper temperature in Air-lift fermenter.

Biosorption is being demonstrated as a useful alternative to conventional systems for the removal of toxic metals from industrial effluents. Metal affinity to the biomass can be increase by pre treating the biomass with different chemicals. Current study was deigned to assess the Ni(II) and CCu(II) removal capability of two microfungi viz. Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus arrhizus. Biomass of both fungal species was pretreated with alkalies, acids and detergents. For the successful application of biosorption crucial parameters like influence of initial metal ion concentration and desorption/reutilization were also performed. To check the practical potential of adsorbents, metal uptake capability of test fungal biosorbents was assessed with real industrial effluents. This book is useful for those who are working on treatment of wastewater using fungal biomass.