Comparative studies on removal of Congo red by native and modified mycelial pellets of Trametes versicolor in various reactor modes

Aerated and rotated mode adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of Congo red from aqueous solution using native and pre-treated mycelial pellets/biomass of Trametes versicolor. The effect of process parameters like contact time, dosage of adsorbent, adsorbate concentration and pH on adsorption was investigated. Higher the dye concentration lower was the adsorption. Equilibrium time was attained at 90 min. Increase in biomass dosage increased the adsorption. Experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Temkin isotherms. Adsorption capacity (Qo) of autoclaved biomass was 51.81 mg/g, which was higher than other biomass studied. The second order kinetic model by Ho and Mckay described well the experimental data. Acidic pH was favorable for the adsorption of Congo red. Studies on pH effect and desorption show that chemisorption seems to play a major role in the adsorption process. Among the native and pre-treated biomass studied, autoclaved biomass showed a better adsorption capacity. Utilization of autoclaved biomass is much safer as it does not pose any threat to environment. Aerated mode showed a better adsorption capacity when compared to rotated mode.