Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by Penicillium biomass

Abstract

The removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption on nonliving Penicillium chrysogenum biomass was studied. Biosorption of the Pb⁺² ion was strongly affected by pH. Within a pH range of 4 to 5, the saturated sorption uptake of Pb⁺² was 116 mg/g dry biomass, higher than that of activated charcoal and some other microorganisms. At pH 4.5, P. chrysogenum biomass exhibited selectivity for Pb⁺² over other metal ions such as Cd⁺², Cu⁺², Zn⁺², and As⁺³ Sorption preference for metals decreased in the following order: Pb > Cd > Cu > Zn > As. The sorption uptake of Pb⁺² remained unchanged in the presence of Cu⁺² and As⁺³, it decreased in the presence of Zn⁺², and increased in the presence of Cd⁺². © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.