Removal of azo dye from aqueous solution by a new biosorbent prepared with Aspergillus nidulans cultured in tobacco wastewater

A new biosorbent was prepared from the dead biomass of fungus Aspergillus nidulans G, which was capable of utilizing tobacco wastewater (TWW) as a sole substrate. The characterization of the biosorbent surfaces, biosorption kinetics, isotherm models and the effects of various experimental factors were investigated. The kinetics and equilibrium biosorption were well-described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum biosorption capacity of Congo red (CR) was 357.14 mg/g at 30 °C and pH 6.8, which competed well with other biosorbents reported. The results suggested that this low-cost, environmentally friendly and efficient biosorbent may be useful for the removal of azo dyes from aqueous solution.

► Integration of biosorbent preparation and tobacco wastewater resource utilization was first proposed.
► First report on biosorbent prepared from Aspergillus nidulans biomass.
► First report on fungal biomass cultured from tobacco wastewater.
► The biosorption capacity of Congo red competes well with other biosorbents.