Title: Biosorption of lead(II) by free and immobilised fungal biomass of Phanerochaete chrysosporium: a comparative study

Authors: M. Iqbal, A. Saeed, R.G.J. Edyvean

Addresses: Environment Biotechnology Group, Biotechnology and Food Research Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore 54600, Pakistan. ' Environment Biotechnology Group, Biotechnology and Food Research Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore 54600, Pakistan. ' Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK

Abstract: An efficient metal biosorbent was developed by immobilising fungal biomass within matrix of loofa sponge (FBILS). At biosorption equilibrium FBILS removed 137 mg Pb(II) g-1, which was 24.3% greater than 110 mg Pb(II) g⁻¹ free fungal biomass. The equilibrium biosorption data fitted well the Langmuir model. The experimental data, when applied to the pseudo-first and second-order kinetic models, followed the second-order with r² 0.996. Metal desorption from the Pb(II)-laden FBILS with 50 mM HCl was 99%, and the regenerated FBILS was repeatedly used in seven biosorption-desorption cycles without significant loss in biosorption capacity. The study indicated high potential of FBILS for effective removal of Pb(II) from industrial wastewater.

Keywords: biosorption; lead (II); immobilised fungal biomass; loofa sponge; Phanerochaete chrysosporium; equilibrium; kinetics; kinetic modelling; metal removal; heavy metals; wastewater treatment; water pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.020803

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.34 No.1/2/3/4, pp.353 - 363

Published online: 16 Oct 2008 *

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