Comparative Study on Lead and Copper Biosorption Using Three Bioproducts from Edible Mushrooms Residues

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Bioremediation
• Materials Science

Background:

• Agricultural waste presents disposal challenges and environmental concerns.
• Bioremediation using low-cost biosorbents is a sustainable approach for pollutant removal.
• Mushroom farming generates significant lignocellulosic waste, including stalks and substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mushroom farming waste (shiitake and champignon) as biosorbents for copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) removal.
• To determine the adsorption capacity and efficiency of different mushroom residues.
• To investigate the potential of these wastes for heavy metal bioremediation.

Main Methods:

• Agricultural wastes (shiitake and champignon stalks, shiitake substrate) were collected, dried, and ground.
• Characterization of the biosorbent materials was performed.
• Batch experiments were conducted to remove Cu and Pb from contaminated water.
• Adsorption isotherms were modeled using the Sips model.

Main Results:

• Champignon stalks showed the highest Cu removal efficiency (43%), followed by shiitake substrate (37%) and shiitake stalks (30%).
• Pb removal efficiencies ranged from 72% to 83% across the tested residues, with champignon stalks performing best.
• Maximum adsorption capacities (q) for Pb were significantly higher than for Cu, reaching up to 130.0 mg/g⁻¹ for shiitake stalks.
• Surface morphology analysis indicated metal ion accumulation in the interstices of champignon stalks.

Conclusions:

• Mushroom farming waste, particularly champignon stalks, demonstrates significant potential as a low-cost biosorbent for heavy metal removal.
• These residues are effective for removing lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) from contaminated aquatic environments.
• Utilizing mushroom waste for bioremediation offers a sustainable and economically viable solution to environmental pollution.