FTIR study and bioadsorption kinetics of bioadsorbent for the analysis of metal pollutants

Abstract

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in groundwater cause many environmental problems. The present paper reports adsorption behavior of a green bioadsorbent (Trichoderma sp.) for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents. Sampling of the groundwater within a commissioned landfill site showed contamination of the groundwater with some toxic heavy metals. Fungal biomass of Trichoderma sp. was tested to treat contaminated groundwater and it was found that dried Trichoderma sp. demonstrated significant ability for the extraction of Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions compared to wet Trichoderma. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was conducted on wet and dry biomass before and after treatment to observe the changes in functional groups. In addition, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were used to verify the adsorption performance of Trichoderma sp. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be a better fit than the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacities of Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions on Trichoderma were found to be 0.1353 (pH 4), 0.374 (pH 8) and 0.0527 (pH 10), respectively. The results of removal efficiencies of metal on Trichoderma indicate that it can be successfully applied for the removal and recovery of Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions from industrial effluents with 100% recovery.