Biosorption characteristics of lead [Pb(II)] by Pleurotus ostreatus biomass

Biosorption is fast becoming an attractive method for heavy metal contaminated wastewater treatment. This paper investigates the uptake capacity and removal of lead (II) by Pleurotus ostreatus biomass under the influence of biomass concentration, initial pH of heavy metal containing solution, contact time and initial Pb(II) concentration as to ascertain the usability of the biomass as biosorbent for heavy metal removal. Optimum biosorbent concentration were found to be at 0.5g biosorbent, with removal percentage of 88% and uptake capacity of 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/g under contact time of 60 min. Possible pH range of application for this biosorbent is from pH of 4 to 6 as the biosorbent showed high uptake capacity of lead (II). Uptake capacity of Pb(II) by the biomass was found to be linearly increasing within the range of 10ppm – 100ppm of initial heavy metal concentration. Thus, Pleurotus ostreatus biomass has potential as an alternative, environmentally sound method for treatment of heavy metal contaminated effluent.