Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the biosorption of Cu(II) onto Trametes versicolor biomass

The ability of Trametes versicolor biomass for biosorption of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution was studied in batch experiments. The effect of relevant parameters such as function of pH, biomass dosage, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature was evaluated. Further, the biosorbent was characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and BET Surface area analysis. Experimental data were analyzed in terms of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. The results showed that the biosorption process of Cu(II) ions followed well pseudo-second order kinetics. The biosorption data of Cu(II) ions at 303, 313 and 323 K are fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) and Temkin isotherms. Biosorption of Cu(II) onto T. versicolor biomass followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.999) with the maximum biosorption capacity of 140.9 mg/g. The calculated thermodynamic parameters such as ∆G, ∆H and ∆S showed that the biosorption of Cu(II) ions onto T. versicolor biomass was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic at 303–323 K.

Plot of ΔG versus T for the estimation of thermodynamic parameters for biosorption of copper(II) by T. versicolor biomass.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Removal Cu(II) onto T. versicolor biomass from aqueous solutions has been investigated.
► Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second order model.
► Experimental equilibrium data were fitted to four different isotherm models.
► Biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic.