Biosorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by biomass of Neosartorya hiratsukae(M7): Equilibrium and kinetic studies

The biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) from aqueous solution using freeze-dried biomass of Neosartorya hiratsukae(M7) were investigated as a funtion of pH, contact time and initial concentration. The optimal pH for adsorption of Pb(II) was determined bo be 6.0. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be well suited for the adsorption process. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than Freundlich isotherm. The maxium adsorption capacity of M7 according to Langmuir isotherm was 42.55mg g⁻¹ at pH 6.0 and 30°C. FTIR analysis of M7 showed the possible functional groups of M7. Responsible for the lead biosorption were carboxylic, hydroxyl and amine groups etc. SEM analysis demonstrated the microporous structure of the biosorbent while EDX analysis confirmed the adsorption of Pb(II) on the biomass of M7.