Batch zinc (II) biosorption by a non-living Phanerochaete chrysosporium biomass

The zinc(II) biosorption capacity of non-living biomass of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was studied in the batch system. Concentrations ranging from 10 to 150 mg/l Zn(II) were tested. The biosorption of metals was strongly affected by pH and the concentrations of zinc adsorbed increased from pH 2.0 to maximum levels at pH 6.0. A biosorption equilibrium was established after about 15 min and the adsorbed Zn(II) ions did not significantly change further with time. Reduction in biomass concentration in the suspension at a given metal concentration enhanced the metal/biosorbent ratio, and thus increased metal uptake per gram of biosorbent. The equilibrium data could be fitted by a Langmuir isotherm equation. Under optimal conditions, up to 79.24 mg Zn(II) g biomass was adsorbed.