Abstract:
This study points out potential of rogers mushroom (Lepiota hystrix) biomass in biosorption
of copper and lead from aqueous solutions. The efficiency of biosorption was tested in
batch experiments and the metal ion concentration analyzed using flame atomic absorption
spectrometry. The analysis of FTIR spectrum reveals that the metal ions uptake by
roger mushroom involves interaction of metal ion and hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl
groups of the biomass at optimum pH of 4.5e6.0 and sorbent mass of 1.5e2.1 g for Cu and
Pb, respectively. Adsorption capacities were found to be 3.9 and 8.9 mg/g at a contact time
of 25e40 min and initial metal ion concentration of 300e500 mg/g for Pb and Cu, respectively.
The biosorption process follows second order kinetics and fitted the Langmuir
isotherm model. The result shows that rogers mushroom biomass has a good potential to
be used in removal of metal ions and can be used up to three adsorption/desorption cycles
without losing efficiency. Its use in real life situation can alleviate pollution and increase
the quality of water for human consumption and sanitary purposes.
