Biosorption of Phenolic Compounds by Trametes versicolor polyporus Fungus

The use of non-living Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus to remove phenol, 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) from water under equilibrium and column flow experimental conditions was evaluated. The biomass was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of adsorbate and amount of biomass employed. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were analyzed in terms of the Freundlich, Langmuir and D-R adsorption isotherm models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus for phenol, 2-CP and 4-CP was found to be 50 mg/g, 86 mg/g and 112 mg/g, respectively. Desorption of phenolic compounds was achieved using 0.1 M NaOH solution. The experimental results demonstrated that the Trametes versicolor polyporus fungus could be used as a sorbent for immobilizing phenolic compounds.