Biosorption of reactive red-120 dye onto fungal biomass of wild Ganoderma stipitatum

In the present work, the reactive red 120 dye (red-120) biosorption onto fungal biomass (FB) of wild Ganoderma stipitatum basidiocarps was studied. The chemical and morphological characterization of FB was performed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pH at point of zero charge (PHPZC) and BET surface area. According to biosorption studies, the highest value of biosorption capacity was found at pH 3.0. The kinetic experimental data were best described by Elovich model suggesting the existence of a chemisorption process. The biosorption equilibrium data were best fitted by Langmuir isotherm model presenting maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 44.44 mg(-1). Additionally, the thermodynamic studies indicated the biosorption of red-120 onto FB is spontaneous and exothermic. Therefore, FB may be considered a promising biosorbent for red-120 dye removal from the wastewaters.