Removal of Cadmium ions by the fungus Auricularia polytricha from aqueous solution

This study provides a theoretical basis for use of Auricularia polytricha hyphae as an adsorbent for removal of heavy metal cadmium from aqueous solution. Adsorption effect was studied from suitable pH, application dosage, biosorption time and the initial concentration of cadmium. Little biosorption of metalions was observed for pH <; 3.0. The cadmium removal capacity increased very sharply with an increase in pH from 3 to 5. Slightly lower dosage was more efficient in binding a large amount of cadmium. The adsorbent q_max value (166.67mg/g) was higher than those reported for cadmium binding by other workers. The biosorption capacity increased with increasing contact time and a large amount of cadmium ions (80%) was removed in 1 h.