Copper sorption by native and modified pellets of wood-rotting basidiomycetes.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the biosorption of copper to the pellets of different wood-rotting fungal species.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Copper sorption was studied in both batch and column arrangements. The optimum pH for copper sorption was between 3.5 and 4. In 100 mg l(-1) Cu (II), maximum qe values were found for Oudemansiella mucida (8.77 mg g(-1) dry wt), Lepista nuda (6.29 mg g(-1)), Pycnoporus cinnabarinus (5.08 mg g(-1)) and Pleurotus ostreatus (4.77 mg g(-1)). Both biomass yield and specific sorption were influenced by the composition of the fermentation broth. The results of column experiments showed that mycelial pellets of wood-rotting fungi can be considered as promising biosorbent material.

CONCLUSIONS

Pellets of wood-rotting fungi showed the same or better copper sorption properties as those previously reported for lower fungi or filamentous bacteria, as well as good mechanical properties.