Role of Aspergillus niger in biodegradation of tannery effluent

 

    The leather industry is one of the major export industries of India earning more than 7000 crores of foreign exchange and providing employment for about 2.5 million

people. Analysis of physicochemical characteristics of tannery effluent generated in large volume reveals that the effluent contains acidic pH value and high amount of BOD, COD, TSS and TDS and it exceeds the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 1995, norms. Unregulated disposal of such effluent into the land and surrounding water bodies not only affects the soil and water quality, but also poses a risk to animals and human health. In order to minimize its pollution potential, the effluent is treated by various means, which may consume an exorbitant amount of capital and energy. Hence, with the aim to develop economically feasible and environmental friendly treatment technology, we used Aspergillus niger to biodegrade the untreated tannery effluent. The results revealed that pH changed from acidic to neutral and also showed a significant reduction of BOD (23 to 62%), COD (25 to 70%), TSS (18 to 62%) and ms (8.7 to 34%), and thereby almost satisfying the CPCB (1995) standard for effluent discharge. Thus, using the fungus A. niger in treatment of leather tannery effluent is recommended.