Biosorption of the polyaromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene by phanerochaete chrysosporium

In this study, the optimization of phenanthrene adsorption from aqueous solutions using P. chrysosporium, a white-rot fungus, was investigated through the response surface methodology (RSM). The adsorption efficiency was evaluated based on the reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values caused by phenanthrene, rather than direct measurement of phenanthrene. Considering COD removal efficiencies in the environments, the adsorption operational parameters were optimized using the central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology. The variable parameters affecting removal efficiency were selected as adsorbent dosage, phenanthrene concentration, and time. The highest removal efficiency, 84.13%, was achieved under the conditions of 0.64 mg of biosorbent, 0.41 mg/L phenanthrene concentration, and 73.78 minutes of treatment time. It was particularly noted that using biologically derived adsorbents could be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method compared to other adsorbents due to their lower cost and lack of secondary pollutant formation. The findings of this study are considered to provide a foundation for exploring the potential of other fungal species as biosorbents for the removal of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).