RESUMO
Purpose: Present study deals with the role of gamma irradiation in modulating lead (Pb) tolerance of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem. and Penicillium cyclopium Westling. Materials and methods: After being exposed to gamma absorbed doses those fungal strains were subjected to heavy metal uptake efficacies and anti-oxidative study. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies were also evaluated. Result: Gamma exposed A. niger & P. cyclopium showed enhanced growth in terms of colony forming unit (CFU) and more Pb uptake efficacies compared to their un-irradiated counterparts. FTIR spectra illustrated the involvement of functional groups in Pb biosorption. SEM photographs revealed the structural deformities in both the fungal strains after being exposed to Pb and gamma. Upregulated anti-oxidative defense system (super oxide dismutase, catalase, total glutathione) in gamma exposed fungal groups are accountable for enhanced Pb tolerance and removal than that of their un-irradiated counterparts. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study exhibit a light towards a new step of heavy metal bioremediation.