Biosorption of lead from aqueous solution by fungal biomass of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus sp

The biosorption of lead from aqueous solution by pretreated fungal biomass of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus sp. with NaOH was investigated. Parameters affecting biosorption such as pH, temperature and contact time were examined. It was found that the initial pH of the solution strongly affected to the degree of biosorption. The pH of 5 and 6 were the optimum pH on biosorption of Rhizopus sp. and A. niger, respectively. The wide range of temperature of 30-60°C showed slightly effect on lead adsorption. The rapid rate of adsorption was found in during the first 60 min and was remained nearly constant afterwards. The optimum contact time was between 60 and 90 min. Moreover, the lead adsorption by Rhizopus sp. was higher than that of A. niger in all cases of the study conditions.