Biotechnology Journal International

Aims: The objective of the work is to remove Pb²⁺ by Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride in batch studies and to study the kinetics and adsorption isotherm of Pb²⁺  adsorption by fungal species and to determine the desorption performance by suitable desorbing agents.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and duration of the study: This work was carried out at Department of Biotechnology, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and India for a period of five months.

Methodology: The polluted sample was collected from Valankulam lake, Coimbatore. The biomass of Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride were used as adsorbents. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to quantify Pb²⁺ concentration. The optimum conditions of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time for biosorption were determined.

Results: Maximum adsorption of Pb²⁺ for Trichoderma viride and Pleurotus florida were observed at a pH of 6 and 7 respectively. The optimum quantities of adsorbent required for the removal of Pb²⁺ were 0.2g for both the organisms. Adsorption of Pb²⁺ was found to reach equilibrium in 1 h and 1.5 h for Pleurotus florida and Trichoderma viride respectively.

Conclusion: Hence, Pleurotus florida and Tricoderma viride are suitable adsorbents for the removal of Pb²⁺ from effluents. This methodology can be used for the removal of lead from waste water before its disposal.