Abstract

This study explores the potential of using Aspergillus niger for the sustainable bioleaching of zinc from municipal solid waste (MSW), offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods, which are often capital- and energy-intensive as well as environmentally hazardous. The physiochemical characterization of MSW was performed, with XRD analysis revealing the presence of quartz, graphite, anhydrite, garnet, muscovite, and sphalerite, while XRF analysis confirmed a composition of 20.239% Zn, 0.0785% Cu, 4.235% Fe, 4.203% Al, 0.082% Pb, 0.082% Ti, and 17.470% Si. The study investigated the influence of pH, temperature, agitation, and inoculum percentage on the efficiency of zinc bioleaching. Optimal conditions were determined to be pH 4.5, temperature 30°C, agitation at 150 rpm, and 20% (v/v) inoculum, achieving a maximum zinc bioleaching efficiency of 63.59%. These findings highlight the efficacy of Aspergillus niger in bioleaching zinc from MSW, presenting a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional metal extraction methods

Key Words: Bioleaching, Eco-friendly, Environment, Metal, Optimum