Abstract

The removal of a carcinogenic dye rhodamine B (C. I. 45170) from wastewater by biomass of different moulds and yeasts is described. Among all of the fungal species tested, the biomass of Rhizopus oryzae MTCC 262 is found to be the most effective. Dye adsorption reaches maximum with the biomass harvested from the early stationary phase of growth. The optimum temperature and pH for adsorption are observed to be 40 degrees C and 7.0, respectively. The adsorption rate is very fast initially and attains equilibrium after 5 h. The adsorption isotherm follows the Langmuir isotherm model satisfactorily within the studied dye concentration range. Of the different metabolic inhibitors tested, 2,4-ditrophenol (DNP) and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) decrease dye adsorption by approximately 30% suggesting the role of energy metabolism in the process. Spectrophotometric study indicates that the removal of rhodamine B by R. oryzae biomass involves an adsorption process. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopic investigations have been carried out to understand the probable mechanism of the dye-biomass interaction.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.