Removal of Zn2+ from aqueous solution by biomass of Agaricus bisporus

Biosorption of Zn²⁺ from aqueous solutions by biomass of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. The removal rates of Zn²⁺ by A. bisporus under different parameters (e.g., solution pH, bio-sorbent dosage and initial Zn²⁺ concentration) were studied. The inhibition of A. bisporus’s biosorption by anionic ligands EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid), acetate and citrate) implied that EDTA and citrate might be used as eluting reagents. Regular and simultaneous solution pH change and light metal ions release after biosorption indicated that an ion exchange mechanism was involved. From FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy, the main functional groups participated in biosorption were found. Biosorption of Zn²⁺ by A. bisporus could be well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. In conclusion, the biomass of A. bisporus showed high potential for the treatment of wastewater containing Zn²⁺.