Effects of copper on the growth and glucoamylase activity of Aspergillus niger D-IV-8

Abstract

The effects of copper ions on the growth and glucoamylase activity of Aspergillus niger D-IV-8 were investigated. The enzyme activity was more strongly inhibited than the growth process. The high copper ion concentrations provoking inhibition show a high resistance of this fungus towards these ions. The morphological and physiological changes provoked in the presence of heavy metal reveal the possibility for application of this microorganisms as an indication for copper pollution.