Biosorption of Phenolic Compounds by Fungus

The use of non-living Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus to remove phenol, 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) from water under equilibrium and column flow experimental conditions was evaluated. The biomass was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of adsorbate and amount of biomass employed. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were analyzed in terms of the Freundlich, Langmuir and D–R adsorption isotherm models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus for phenol, 2-CP and 4-CP was found to be 50 mg/g, 86 mg/g and 112 mg/g, respectively. Desorption of phenolic compounds was achieved using 0.1 M NaOH solution. The experimental results demonstrated that the Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus could be used as a sorbent for immobilizing phenolic compounds

Biosorption of hexavalent chromium using tamarind ( Tamarindus indica ) fruit shell-a comparative study

The adsorption of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated on crude tamarind fruit shell, HCl treated and Oxalic acid treated shells at room temperatures. The biosorbents are characterized by FT-IR, EDXRF and porosimetry. The biosorption experiments are conducted through batch system. The influence of different experimental parameters such as pH, effect of initial metal ion concentration and effect of dosage of adsorbent on biosorption are evaluated. The adsorption followed first order kinetics. The data are fitted well to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. A comparison is drawn on the extent of biosorption between untreated and treated forms of the tamarind shells. Due to their outstanding adsorption capacities, tamarind shells are excellent sorbents for the removal of chromium ions