Removal of Manganese and Copper from Aqueous Solution by Yeast <i>Papiliotrema huenov</i>

<i>Papiliotrema huenov</i> was previously reported to be highly tolerant of a range of extremely toxic heavy metals. This study aimed to identify the potential of <i>P. huenov</i> to remove manganese and copper from aqueous solution. Physical conditions which affect removal of Mn(II) and Cu(II) were determined. Optimal temperature for adsorption of both metal ions was 30 °C, and optimal pH for maximum uptake of Mn(II) and Cu(II) were 5 and 6, respectively. Under these conditions, living cells of <i>P. huenov</i> accumulated up to 75.58% of 110 mg/L Mn(II) and 70.5% of 128 mg/L Cu(II) over 120 h, whereas, the removal efficiency of metal ions by dead cells over 1 h was 60.3% and 56.5%, respectively. These results indicate that living cells are more effective than dead biomass for bioremediation, but that greater time is required. The experimental data extends the potential use of <i>P. huenov</i> in biosorption and bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals to copper and manganese, two of the most common industrial contaminants.