Removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions using a new biosorbent

In this study, removal of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions from aqueous solutions were studied by using Lentinus concinnus, the white-rot fungus. Mycelium and plectenchyma structures of the fungus were used in active and inactive forms in the batch system experiments. The effects of pH, temperature, initial concentration of metal ions, biomass concentration and ternary metal ions, on the removal of metal ions were investigated. The optimum pH value for all biomasses was determined as pH 5,0. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were used for description of the biosorption equilibrium. It was determined that, biosorption process can be defined by Freundlich isotherm model. As a result of experiments conducted in batch system, it was found that, active plectenchyma has much higher removal rate than all other biomasses. Adsorption capacities and removal rates for active plectenchyma were obtained as, 0,432 mmol/g (89,58 mg/g), 93,12% for Pb(II), 0,869 mmol/g (55,26 mg/g), 53,00% for Cu(II) and 0,498 mmol/g (32,55 mg/g), 27,00% for Zn(II), respectively. There are very few studies in the literature using Lentinus concinnus, but there is no any reported study investigating the plectenchyma. Consequently, it was determined that the mycelium and plectenchyma of Lentinus concinnus, has remarkable high capacity for removal of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from wastewaters.