국내 대기오염 중금속물질과 인체 독성발자국 평가

김준범(Junbeum Kim) 대한환경공학회 2021 대한환경공학회지 Vol.43 No.9

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 국내 지자체 대기 중 중금속 농도자료를 바탕으로 산정되어질 수 있는 인체 독성발자국(인체 발암성 및 비발암성, μg 1,4 DCB eqv./m³)의 개념을 제시하고 1991년부터 2019년까지 국내 지자체별로 분석하여 비교평가 하는 것이다. 방법: 국내 지자체에서 대기 중 중금속 자료를 바탕으로 인체 독성발자국을 산정하기 위해서 전과정 영향평가 방법에서 ReCiPe 2016 영향평가방법을 사용하였다. 인체 독성발자국은 대기중 중금속 자료(예를 들면, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As (대기 모니터링 자료에서 Cu, Mn, Fe, Al, Ca, Mg은 제외(μg/m³))와 각각의 중금속 특성화계수를 활용하여 산정되어질 수 있다. 인체 독성발자국의 단위는 μg 1,4 DCB eqv.이다. 연구결과 및 토론: 국내 지자체에서의 대기 중 중금속 농도는 1991년부터 2019년까지 지속적으로 감소되어져왔다. 납(Pb)의 경우에는 인천과 부산에서는 각각 2,124% (0.427 μg/m³에서 0.0192 μg/m³)와 1,250% (0.2471 μg/m³에서 0.0183 μg/m³)로 상당히 많은 양이 저감되어진 것을 볼 수 있었다. 그리고 카드뮴(Cd)의 경우에도 광주와 인천에서 각각 1,550% (0.0033 μg/m³에서 0.0002 μg/m³)와 1,071% (0.0082 μg/m³에서 0.0007 μg/m³)로 상당히 많은 양이 저감되어진 것을 볼 수 있었다. 국내 지자체별 인체 독성발자국 결과를 살펴보면, 1991년(초기)에는 평균 8,478 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., 2005년(중기)은 평균 5,545 μg 1,4 DCB eqv.으로 1991년에 비해서 53% 저감되었다. 2019년도는 평균 1,997 μg 1,4 DCB eqv.으로 2005년도 결과에 비해서 178%로 상당히 많이 저감이 되었다. 2019년 지자체별 인체 독성발자국 결과에서는 경북이 5,184 μg 1,4 DCB eqv.으로 가장 높은 수치를 나타내었으며, 부산 3,929 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., 경기 3,305 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., 서울 2,184 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., 강원 2,011 μg 1,4 DCB eqv.으로 그 뒤를 이었다. 높은 인체 독성발자국 수치를 나타낸 주요 원인 중 하나는 대기오염 중금속 중에서 특성화값이 높은 크롬과 비소의 양이 높기 때문이라고 할 수 있다. 결론: 본 연구에서는 국내 지자체에서의 대기 중 중금속자료를 기초로 하여 인체 독성발자국을 제시하고 산정하였다. 계속적으로 대기 중 중금속량은 저감하고 있지만 지자체별로 더 많은 측정소 설치가 요구되며, 이를 통해서 자료의 질 향상과 인체 독성발자국 수치를 낮추는데 노력을 해야 될 것이다. Objective : The purpose of this study is to propose the concept of the human toxicity (human cancer and non-cancer) footprint (μg 1,4 DCB (Dichlorobenzene) eqv./m³) using heavy metal concentration data in the air in Provincial and Metropolitan City governments. In addition, the final goal is to assess and compare the human carcinogenic toxicity footprint in Provincial and Metropolitan City Governments from 1991 to 2019. Method : To calculate the human carcinogenic toxicity footprint using heavy metal concentration in Provincial and Metropolitan City Governments, the ReCiPe 2016 life cycle impact assessment method in life cycle assessment (LCA) was used. For the human carcinogenic toxicity footprint calculation, the heavy metal concentration data in Provincial and Metropolitan City Governments are multiplied by the characterization factors of each heavy metal such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, and As (Cu, Mn, Fe, Al, Ca, and Mg are not included in the air monitoring data) data (μg/m³). The unit of human carcinogenic toxicity footprint is shown in μg 1,4 DCB eqv. value. Results and Discussion : The results show that the heavy metal concentrations in Provincial and Metropolitan City governments were decreased significantly from 1991 to 2019. In the case of Pb, Incheon was decreased by about 2,124% (from 0.427 μg/m³ to 0.0192 μg/m³), and Busan was decreased by about 1,250% (from 0.2471 μg/m³ to 0.0183 μg/m³). In addition, in Cd’s case, Gwangju decreased by about 1,550% (from 0.0033 μg/m³ to 0.0002 μg/m³), and Incheon was decreased by about 1,071% (from 0.0082 μg/m³ to 0.0007 μg/m³). The results of human carcinogenic toxicity footprint in 1991 (early stage), 2005 (middle-stage), and 2019 (current) show that the average of human carcinogenic toxicity footprint was 8,478 μg 1,4 DCB eqv. in 1991, 5,545 μg 1,4 DCB eqv. in 2005 (about 53% decreased from 1991), and 1,997 μg 1,4 DCB eqv. in 2019 (about 178% decreased from 2005). In 2019, the human carcinogenic toxicity footprint results showed that Gyeongbuk had the highest value of 5,184 μg 1,4 DCB eqv. followed by Busan 3,929 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., Gyeongi 3,305 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., Seoul 2,184 μg 1,4 DCB eqv., Gwangwon 2,011 μg 1,4 DCB eqv. One of the reasons for the highest human carcinogenic toxicity footprint is the concentration of Cr and As, which have very high characterization factors. Conclusions : In this study, the human carcinogenic toxicity footprint using a heavy metal concentration in Provincial and Metropolitan City governments was proposed and calculated. Even though the heavy metal concentrations were decreasing, the number of measuring stations should be increased in each Provincial and Metropolitan City Government to improve the data quality and reduce the human carcinogenic toxicity impact by heavy metals.

Rapid assessment of heavy metal-induced toxicity in water using micro-algal bioassay based on photosynthetic oxygen evolution

Fida Hussain,Heonseop Eom,Umair Ali Toor,Chang Soo Lee,Sang-Eun Oh 대한환경공학회 2021 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.26 No.6

Toxicity assessment using microalgae adopted various endpoint measurements like mortality rate, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activity, cell density, <SUP>14</SUP>C assimilation, and phosphate uptake. These algal toxicity tests usually require 3-4 days of exposure time and laborious work to measure these endpoints parameters. In the present study, we described a simple and rapid toxicity assessment procedure using photosynthetic oxygen evolution as an endpoint measurement to determine heavy metal-induced toxicity. Oxygen evolution in gaseous phase was measured over a 12 h exposure time. The toxicity of six selected heavy metals was assessed. Concentrations of 1.02, 1.91, 0.46, 3.2, 7.5, and 65.6 mg/L were obtained as EC50 values for mercury, silver, cyanide, copper, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, respectively, for microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). Our results demonstrated that hexavalent chromium is less sensitive depending on the conditions (low exposure time, pH 6, and high initial biomass). Toxicities in decreasing order of strength were cyanide > mercury > silver > copper > cadmium > hexavalent chromium. Results obtained in the current and earlier studies demonstrate that photosynthetic oxygen evolution offers an alternative endpoint measurement to assess toxicity since it allows sensitive and rapid detection of heavy metal-induced toxicity in water.

Bacillus sp.의 생장과 인 제거능에 대한 단일 및 2종 혼합 중금속의 독성 평가

김덕원,박지수,오은지,유진,김덕현,정근욱 한국환경과학회 2021 한국환경과학회지 Vol.30 No.11

In this study, the effects of single and binary heavy metals toxicity on the growth and phosphorus removal ability of Bacillus sp.. known as be a phosphorus-removing microorganism, were quantitatively evaluated. Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni were used as heavy metals. As a result of analysis of variance of the half of inhibition concentration and half of effective concentration for each single heavy metal treatment group, the inhibitory effect on the growth of Bacillus sp. was Ni < Pb < Zn < Cu < Cd. And the inhibitory effect on phosphorus removal by Bacillus sp. was Ni < Pb < Zn < Cu < Cd. When analyzing the correlation between growth inhibition and phosphorus removal efficiency of a single heavy metal treatment group, a negative correlation was found (R2 = 0.815), and a positive correlation was found when the correlation between IC50 and EC50 was analyzed (R2 = 0.959). In all binary heavy metal treatment groups, the interaction was an antagonistic effect when evaluated using the additive toxicity index method. This paper is considered to be basic data on the toxic effects of heavy metals when phosphorus is removed using phosphorus removal microorganisms in wastewater.

일부지역 주민의 모발 중 중금속 함량 비교

박성제 ( Sung Je Park ),노영희 ( Young Hee Noh ) 한국미용학회 2010 한국미용학회지 Vol.16 No.4

The present resea rch analyzed the content of 3 kinds of toxic heavy metals such as Mercury, Lead and Cadmium in hair through hair analysis with the target of 60 persons consisting of 30 residents in a coastal region(Taean) and 30 residents in an inland area (Nonsan) in order to find out the effect that the environmental factor due to regional difference affects the content of heavy metals. As a result of analyzing toxic heavy metals according to a region, in the content of Mercury, Lead and Cadmium, a coastal region (Taean) respectively appeared as 1.562±1.084 μg/g, 1.380±1.168 μg/g and 0.035±0.044 μg/ g, and an inland area (Nonsan) respectively appeared as 0.576±0.343 μg/g, 0.731±0.734 μg/g and 0.012±0.016 μg/g, so the Taean region showed a higher content of toxic heavy metals than the Nonsan region. Therefore, the content of Mercury (p<.01), Lead (p<.05) and Cadmium (p<.01) showed a statistically significant difference according to the region. In case of Mercury, 60% of Taean residents and 10% of Nonsan residents appeared as the surplus population, and there was a statistically significant difference. The content of Mercury and Cadmium, men showed 1.393±1.173 μg/g and 0.035±0.046 μg/g respectively. Therefore, men showed a higher content, compared to the Mercury content of 0.744±0.449 μg/g and the Cadmium content of 0.035±0.046 μg/g of women, so the content of Mercury and Cadmium according to the gender showed a statistically significant difference (p<.01). As a result of age analysis, it appeared that the older the age range is, the higher the content of Mercury, Lead and Cadmium is, and there wasn`t a statistically significant difference. As a result, We figured out that the coastal area, Taean, has higher risk in exposure to toxic heavy metals than the inland area, Nonsan, regarding the effect of environmental factor in heavy metal contains in hair due to the regional differences.

발광박테리아 Vibrio fischeri를 이용한 과불화합물과 중금속의 복합독성평가

이우미(Woo Mi Lee),김지성(Ji Sung Kim),김일호(Il Ho Kim),김석구(Seog Ku Kim),윤영한(Young Han Yoon) 大韓環境工學會 2014 대한환경공학회지 Vol.36 No.2

본 연구에서는 과불화합물(PFOA, PFOS)과 수계에 보편적으로 존재하는 중금속(Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg)의 복합독성을Vibrio fischeri를 이용하여 평가하였다. PFOA와 PFOS의 경우, 30 min-EC50값이 각각 134.21 (119.54-150.68)와 235.97 (180.96-307.70) mg/L로 PFOS 보다는 PFOA의 독성이 높은 것으로 나타났다. 한편 중금속류의 독성은 Hg2+의 독성이 가장 높았으며, 이어서 Pb2+, Cr6+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ 순으로 높은 독성민감도를 나타냈다. 과불화합물류와 중 금속류의 복합독성의 경우, PFOA와 PFOS 모두 Cr6+과 공존할 시 상승효과가 나타났으며, PFOA + Zn2+, PFOS + Zn2, PFOA + Cd2+, PFOS + Cd2+의 조합은 상가효과를 나타냈다. 이외의 복합물질은 모두 길항작용을 하는 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구에서는 과불화합물인 PFOA, PFOS와중금속 복합물질들의 조합에 따른 상호작용이 상이함을 확인하였고 이 결과로부터 과불화합물과 중금속 공존할 때 수환경에 야기할 수 있는 잠재적 위해성을 예측할 수 있다. The object of this study was to evaluate the combined toxic interactions of the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or per-fluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with six heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Hg, and Pb). The individual and combined toxic effects wereassessed using the Vibrio fischeri assay. In case of the individual toxicity, PFOA was higher toxic than PFOS and toxicity of PFOA and PFOS were lower than heavy metal. In the toxicity of heavy metals, the Hg2+ was found to be most toxic followed byPb2+, Cr6+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. The combined toxicity of PFOA or PFOS with Cr6+ were synergistic effect because the EC50mixvalues were less than 1 TU. PFOA + Zn2+, PFOS + Zn2+, PFOA + Cd2+ and PFOS + Cd2+ produced addictive effect. Except in these case, all of binary mixtures show antagonistic effect. This study proved potential risk of coexistent with perfluorinated compounds and heavy metals in water environment.

Rapid assessment of heavy metal-induced toxicity in water using micro-algal bioassay based on photosynthetic oxygen evolution

Fida Hussain,엄헌섭,Umair Ali Toor,이창수,Sang-Eun Oh 대한환경공학회 2021 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.26 No.6

Toxicity assessment using microalgae adopted various endpoint measurements like mortality rate, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activity, cell density, 14C assimilation, and phosphate uptake. These algal toxicity tests usually require 3–4 days of exposure time and laborious work to measure these endpoints parameters. In the present study, we described a simple and rapid toxicity assessment procedure using photosynthetic oxygen evolution as an endpoint measurement to determine heavy metal-induced toxicity. Oxygen evolution in gaseous phase was measured over a 12 h exposure time. The toxicity of six selected heavy metals was assessed. Concentrations of 1.02, 1.91, 0.46, 3.2, 7.5, and 65.6 mg/L were obtained as EC50 values for mercury, silver, cyanide, copper, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, respectively, for microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). Our results demonstrated that hexavalent chromium is less sensitive depending on the conditions (low exposure time, pH 6, and high initial biomass). Toxicities in decreasing order of strength were cyanide > mercury > silver > copper > cadmium > hexavalent chromium. Results obtained in the current and earlier studies demonstrate that photosynthetic oxygen evolution offers an alternative endpoint measurement to assess toxicity since it allows sensitive and rapid detection of heavy metal-induced toxicity in water.

Additive inhibitory effects of heavy metals on phenol-utilizing microorganism

Nyamsuren Batkhuyag,Behzad Matyakubov,Ngun Za Luai Mang,Tae-jin Lee 대한환경공학회 2022 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.27 No.5

Effects of heavy metals on phenol-utilizing microorganisms that could co-metabolically degrade naphthol were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) identified these phenol-utilizing microorganisms as Alicycliphilus denitrificans K601, Alicycliphilus sp. R-2461, uncultured Alicycliphilus sp., and Acidovorax aerodenitrificans. Inhibitory effects of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn on phenol biodegradation were in the order of Cu > Cd > Pb > Zn. Inhibitory effects of mixed heavy metals on phenol-utilizing microorganisms were in the order of (Cd + Pb) ≈ (Cd + Cu) > (Zn + Pb) > (Zn + Cd) > (Pb + Cu) > (Zn + Cu). The presence of mixed heavy metals synergistically inhibited microbial degradation of phenol. The relationship between reaction constants and inhibition concentrations that caused 50% of the degradation rate (IC50) for mixed heavy metals was derived as k₂ = 0.69·IC50<SUP>-1.007</SUP>. In this study, heavy metals inhibited phenol biodegradation through synergistic interactions. However, other studies have reported antagonistic interactions depending on the microbial community and heavy metals, indicating that the inhibition type of heavy metal on microbial degradation depends on the microorganism and the type of heavy metal.

IoT 기반 초소형 전기차 공유 플랫폼의 탄소발자국, 미세먼지발자국 및 중금속 인체독성발자국 산정에 관한 연구

김준범(Junbeum Kim),홍성웅(Sungwoong Hong) 대한환경공학회 2024 대한환경공학회지 Vol.46 No.4

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 국토교통부 스마트시티 챌린지 사업의 일환으로 충북 혁신도시(진천 덕산읍, 음성 맹동면), 오창읍(청주), 오송읍(청주)을 평가 대상지로 선정하여 IoT 기반 신모빌리티 초소형 전기차 공유플랫폼 ‘타U’를 구축하였으며 구축된 결과로부터 수집된 초소형 전기차의 운행자료를 바탕으로 휘발유 및 경유차량과 탄소발자국, 미세먼지발자국, 중금속 인체독성발자국을 비교평가하는데 있다. 방법: 본 평가대상지에서 초소형 모빌리티 차량(타U 플랫폼에서 운영된 스마트모빌리티 차량) 10대를 2022년 1월부터 2월까지 2개월동안 공유서비스형으로 운영하였으며, 총 1,021회 이용과 함께 1,996 km 총 주행거리 자료를 바탕으로 수행하였다. 차량번호 및 주차장소, 차량 충전시작시간 및 충전종료시간, 차량 주행시작시간 및 주행종료시간, 이용시간 및 반납시간, 주행거리(km), 이용자 정보(이름, 생년월일, 운전면허번호, 전화번호) 등의 자료들을 구축하였으며, 이를 바탕으로 탄소발자국, 미세먼지발자국, 중금속 인체독성발자국을 산정하였으며, 이 결과값들은 휘발유 및 경유차량의 값들과 비교분석하였다. 연구결과 및 토론: 초소형 모빌리티 전기차, 휘발유차량 및 경유차량의 탄소발자국은 188.74 kg CO₂ eqv., 409.67kg CO₂ eqv., 389.55 kg CO₂ eqv.으로 각각 산정되었다. 미세먼지발자국은 263.36 gPM₂.₅ eqv., 21.37 gPM₂.₅ eqv., 439.47 gPM₂.₅ eqv.으로 각각 산정되었으며, 중금속 인체독성발자국은 0.029 g1.4 DCB eqv., 8.26 g1.4 DCB eqv., 7.42 g1.4 DCB eqv.의 결과를 각각 가졌다. 2개월간 실시된 시범사업으로 인해서 작은 감축량을 가졌지만, 지속적으로 시행이 되어진다면 상당히 많은 양의 탄소, 미세먼지 및 중금속 영향의 감축량을 가질것으로 예상된다. 우리나라의 탄소중립을 위해 도로교통운행에 있어서 내연기관 자동차에서 전기자동차로 전환되고 있는 시점과 맞물려 전기자동차가 일반 내연기관 자동차보다 탄소, 미세먼지(가솔린차량의 미세먼지 발생은 제외) 및 중금속의 영향을 줄여나가는 중요한 부분으로 역할을 할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 결론: 탄소배출, 미세먼지 및 중금속 배출에 많은 부분을 차지하고 있는 교통분야에서도 지속적인 감축 노력이 필요하며 관련해서 많은 연구들이 필요한 상황이다. 전기자동차와 이를 통한 환경영향감축과 관련된 연구들이 많이 진행이 되어지고 있지만, 대부분의 연구들이 탄소배출량만을 비교하는 연구에만 그치고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 초소형전기자동차 신모빌리티 프로젝트에 구축된 자료를 바탕으로 운행에 따른 탄소발자국, 미세먼지발자국 및 중금속 인체독성발자국 평가를 목적으로 연구를 진행하였다. 향후 점차 휘발유 및 경유차량을 대체하고 있는 전기자동차가 탄소, 미세먼지 및 중금속을 줄이는데 큰 기여를 할 것으로 사료된다. Purpose : The purpose of this study is to calculate and compare carbon footprint, particulate matter footprint, and heavy metal human toxicity footprint with operation data of IoT-based Micro Electric Vehicle (EV) Sharing for Urban Mobility, which was conducted in Chungbuk Innovation City (Jinchen Ducksaneup, Eumsung Mangdongmyun), Ochangeup (Cheongju), Osongeup(Cheongju) as a MOLIT Smart City Challenge Project, with petrol and diesel vehicles. Methods : In the assessment area, ten new Micro Electric Vehicles were used within the ‘TAYOU’ platform, which is an IoT-based micro electric vehicle sharing platform for smart mobility. These vehicles were operated for two months (1,021 times and 1,996 km). Data including vehicle numbers, charging start and end times, operating durations, return times, distances traveled (km), user information (name, drivers license, telephone number), and more were collected. Using this data, the carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metal human toxicity footprint were calculated and compared with those of petrol and diesel vehicles. Results and Discussion : The carbon footprints were 188.74 kg CO₂ eqv., 409.67 kg CO₂ eqv., 389.55 kg CO₂ eqv., in IoT-based Micro Electric Vehicle (EV), and petrol and diesel vehicle, respectively. The particulate matter footprint was 263.36 gPM₂.₅ eqv., 21.37 gPM₂.₅ eqv., and 439.47 gPM₂.₅ eqv., respectively. The heavy metal human toxicity footprint was calculated at 0.029 g1.4 DCB eqv., 8.26 g1.4 DCB eqv., and 7.42 g1.4 DCB eqv., respectively; even though the pilot project was completed in just two months, the results showed a meaningful reduction in carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metals. If the service system can be extended, we can expect a more significant decrease in all environmental footprints. In the transition period from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles for carbon neutrality in road transportation systems, these results showed that electric vehicles can contribute significantly to reducing carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metals. Result : Carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metals reduction efforts are continuously needed in transportation. This study calculated and compared carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metal human toxicity footprints with electric, petrol, and diesel vehicles. As a result, in the future, this new small electric mobility (“TAYOU” Smart mobility vehicle) sharing service system can support and contribute to reducing carbon, particulate matter, and heavy metals emissions and footprints.

조류를 이용한 시화호 및 시화호 유입수 내 중금속 물질의 독성 평가 연구

우민희 ( Min Hui Woo ),이규영 ( Gyu Young Lee ),김지혜 ( Ji Hye Kim ),임지현 ( Ji Hyun Lim ),이용우 ( Yong Woo Lee ) 한국물환경학회 2012 한국물환경학회지 Vol.28 No.2

This research investigates how using algae as an ecotoxicological test species is easier than using daphnia for identifying toxic causative substances. From the results of the ecotoxicity measurements on the Shihwa lake and its tributaries, heavy metals were considered as one of major factors in causing toxicity. The algae ecotoxicity value was 9.6 while the daphnia ecotoxicity value was 0.8 in the Jeongwang stream. By using algae as the test species, we could identify the toxicity that causes heavy metals which might otherwise have been missed with only daphnia. The results from the EDTA addition test showed that zinc and copper were the main toxic causative substances in the Jeongwang stream and Gunja stream.

Effect of Graded Doses of Heavy Metals on the Radial Growth Rate of Hyphomycetous Fungi from Mangrove Sediments of the Qua Iboe Estuary, Nigeria

Joeseph P. Essien,Godwin E. Udofia,Edu Inam,김경웅 한국자원공학회 2010 Geosystem engineering Vol.13 No.4

Toxicity and heavy metal tolerance potentials of hyphomycetous fungi from epipellic sediments of the Qua Iboe Estuary, Nigeria were investigated ex situ in laboratory microcosms. Indigenous fungi were exposed to Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu and Cr for 90 days following sediment simulation with varying concentrations of the appropriate metallic salts. Growth pattern after acclimation revealed that Aspergillus glaucus – ESM7 exhibited tolerance to Cr, A. repens – ESM4 to Zn and A. niger –ESM10 to Cu. Fusarium semitectum – ESM18 tolerated Ni and Penicillium digitatum – ESM8 resisted toxicity due to Pb. However results of the toxicity assay showed that the radial growth rate of A. glaucus – ESM7 was retarded by 60 mgl-1 of Cr, while that of A. repens – ESM4 in 328 mgl-1 of Zn and Penicillium digitatum – ESM8 in 140 mgl-1of Pb were apparently enhanced by the metals. On the other hand Ni at 241 mgl-1 was toxic and highly inhibitory to F. semitectum – ESM18 while 83 mgl-1 of Cu significantly (Students t –test, P = 0.05) enhanced the growth of A. niger –ESM10 when compared with the control. Based on these findings A. niger may be regarded as a promising mycoremediation agent for the removal of Cu from metal contaminated environment. It is also suggestive that because of the growth enhancing effect of Zn and Pb on A. repens – ESM4 and Penicillium digitatum – ESM8 minimal concentrations of the metals may plausibly be incorporated into mycological media for quick recovery of the moulds. On the other hand because of its toxic effect on Fusarium semitectum – ESM18, Ni may be adapted as an excellent biocide component for the formulation of fungicidal preparations against plant diseases caused by fusaria provided that the acceptable background level of Ni is not exceeded. However, more detailed information is required in order to optimize the conditions for maximum utilization of these metals and hyphomycetous fungi in useful environmental and biotechnological activities.