Examination of Pb2+ bio-sorption onto Rhodotorula mucilaginosa using response surface methodology

With the rapid industrial development, wastewater has been a risk for environmental contamination. We aimed to explore the optimum condition and mechanism of Pb2+ bio-sorption onto Rhodotorula mucilaginosa WT6-5. Optimization of initial concentration of Pb2+, initial pH, and adsorption time for Pb2+ bio-sorption onto R. mucilaginosa WT6-5 was performed using response surface methodology. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray detection, X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the mechanisms and characteristics of Pb2+ bio-sorption. A maximum Pb2+ bio-sorption capacity of 1.45 mg/g was obtained under the optimal conditions of initial concentration of Pb2+ (30 mg/L), initial pH (5.45) and adsorption time (25 minutes). Some Pb2+ remained after adsorption, and the -OH, -C=O and C-O functional groups were primarily involved in Pb2+ bio-sorption onto R. mucilaginosa WT6-5. The mechanism of Pb2+ bio-sorption involved chemical and biological actions, ion exchange and functional groups effects.