Tolerance potential of fungi isolated from polluted soil of Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Filamentous fungi were isolated from polluted peri-urban area of Multan, Pakistan and the tolerance potential of fungal strains i.e., Aspergillus niger against specific metals Cr(NO3)3, Pb(NO3)2 and ZnCl2 were tested on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plate. The degree of tolerance is measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (by applying different concentrations of metals). Tolerance potential showed either tested isolates are tolerant, moderately tolerant or sensitive. The findings of present study is depicted that Aspergillus niger showed different tolerance behaviour for different metals at different concentrations such as chromium and lead are more tolerated as compared to Zinc. The knowledge of the present study will be helpful for further research of biosorption and bioremediation potential of fungi and used them for applied side.