Ability of Pycnoporus sanguineus to remove copper ions from aqueous solution

The equilibrium sorption capacity of a macro-fungi, Pycnoporus sanguineus biomass was studied using a single-metal system comprising copper ions. The rate and extent for the removal of copper were subjected to environmental parameters such as pH, biomass loading, temperature, and contact time. Results showed that the uptake of copper increased as the pH increased. However, as the biomass loading increased, the amount of metal uptake decreased. Instead, temperature does not have a significant effect on the metal uptake, especially between 30 to 40 degrees C. A maximum adsorption of copper ions was also observed within 15 minutes of reaction time for the entire sample tested. Furthermore, pre-treatment with sodium bicarbonate and boiling water significantly improved the sorption capacity of copper by Pycnoporus sanguineus.