Biosorption studies of lead and copper using rogers mushroom biomass 'Lepiota hystrix'

This study points out potential of rogers mushroom (Lepiota hystrix) biomass in biosorption of copper and lead from aqueous solutions. The efficiency of biosorption was tested in batch experiments and the metal ion concentration analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The analysis of FTIR spectrum reveals that the metal ions uptake by roger mushroom involves interaction of metal ion and hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups of the biomass at optimum pH of 4.5-6.0 and sorbent mass of 1.5-2.1 g for Cu and Pb, respectively. Adsorption capacities were found to be 3.9 and 8.9 mg/g at a contact time of 25-40 min and initial metal ion concentration of 300-500 μg/g for Pb and Cu, respectively. The biosorption process follows second order kinetics and fitted the Langmuir isotherm model. The result shows that rogers mushroom biomass has a good potential to be used in removal of metal ions and can be used up to three adsorption/desorption cycles without losing efficiency. Its use in real life situation can alleviate pollution and increase the quality of water for human consumption and sanitary purposes.