High performance SiO2-nanoparticles-immobilized-Penicillium funiculosum for bioaccumulation and solid phase extraction of lead

Novel biosorbent systems were designed, investigated and implemented for bioaccumulation of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. These are based on the combination of SiO2-nanoparticles (N-Si) with Penicillium funiculosum fungus (Pen) for the formation of (N-Si-Pen) as well as heat inactivated Penicillium funiculosum (Pen). The SiO2-nanoparticles were also investigated as a solid sorbent phase. Surface characterization and immobilization were examined and confirmed by using FT-IR and SEM analysis. A batch equilibrium technique was used to follow-up the adsorption processes of lead under the effect of pH, contact time, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration. The maximum capacity values were 1200.0 and 1266.7 μmol g−1 for (Pen) and (N-Si-Pen), respectively at pH 5. Sorption equilibria were established in ∼20 min and their data were well described by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models. The potential applications of these biosorbents for extraction of Pb(II) from real samples contaminated with lead, were successfully accomplished.