Dry Trichoderma biomass: biosorption behavior for the treatment of toxic heavy metal ions

The dried biomass of Trichoderma sp. was investigated to remove toxic heavy metal ions using the batch method in the concentration range of 0.5 to 2.0mg/L at different pH. The biosorption capacity of Trichoderma biomass was found to be pH dependent. Biosorption of nickel at pH 10 was observed 20% higher than at pH 2. The maximum sorption (91%) for Cd(II) was achieved (0.45mg cadmium/g biomass) at pH 10 within 72h equilibrium time. The maximum sorption capacity of Cr(VI) was achieved (0.053mg chromium/g biomass) upon equilibration after 72h. In comparison with nickel and cadmium, the biosorption of chromium was found to be pH independent, while nickel and cadmium showed a higher absorption capacity at higher pH. In addition, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were used to verify the biosorption performance of Trichoderma biomass. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be fit better than Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The dried biomass of Trichoderma has been fruitfully applied for the removal and recovery of Ni(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI) ions. Thus, it can be successfully used for the treatment of toxic heavy metal ions from the industrial effluents as well as natural waters.