Biosorption of Sirius Blue azo-dye by Agaricus campestris biomass: Batch and continuous column studies

In this study, biosorption of azo-dye Sirius Blue K-CFN (SB) was investigated from aqueous solution by using Agaricus campestris biomass as a biosorbent. Operating batch system conditions like pH, temperature, initial SB concentration and biosorbent dosage were studied. Optimum initial pH was determined as pH 3.0. The percentage of biosorption was determined as 97.32% for 80 mg/L SB at 45 degrees C. The maximum biosorption capacity was increased with increasing initial SB concentration and temperature. The experimental results were represented by the Freundlich isotherm model. The negative values of Delta G degrees indicated that the biosorption process of SB onto A. campestris biomass is spontaneous. Continuous column studies were also performed to show the efficiency of fungal biomass as a biosorbent for SB. In column system, the effect of flow rate (3-7 mL/min), packing heights (3-7 cm) and dye concentration (20-80 mg/L) were studied. Since A. campestris can be effectually used as a biosorbent for the SB azo-dye biosorption.