Abstract
Novel biosorbent systems were designed, investigated and implemented for bioaccumulation of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. These are based on the combination of SiO2-nanoparticles (N-Si) with Penicillium funiculosum fungus (Pen) for the formation of (N-Si-Pen) as well as heat inactivated Penicillium funiculosum (Pen). The SiO2-nanoparticles were also investigated as a solid sorbent phase. Surface characterization and immobilization were examined and confirmed by using FT-IR and SEM analysis. A batch equilibrium technique was used to follow-up the adsorption processes of lead under the effect of pH, contact time, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration. The maximum capacity values were 1200.0 and 1266.7 mu mol g(-1) for (Pen) and (N-Si-Pen), respectively at pH 5. Sorption equilibria were established in similar to 20 min and their data were well described by Langmuir. Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The potential applications of these biosorbents for extraction of Pb(II) from real samples contaminated with lead, were successfully accomplished. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.