Biosorption of Eriochrome Black T Using Exserohilum rostratum NMS1.5 Mycelia Biomass

Abstract

The presence of eriochrome black T (EBT) dye in waste water causes a significant hazard to human health and ecology. In the current study, biosorption was employed to eliminate EBT from water. Thus, we utilized endophytic fungi strain Exserohilum rostratum NMS1.5 mycelia biomass as biosorbent agent. The process was carried out at room temperature by magnetic stirring. The results indicated that an increase in pH would decrease adsorption capacity and removal percentage. In addition, an increased EBT concentration would decrease the removal percentage and increase biosorption capacity. The equilibrium time indicated that after 300 min of mixing, the percentage removal and biosorption capacity were 80.5% and 100.61 mg/g, respectively. The biosorption isotherms and kinetics were compatible with the Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order. This research indicates that E. rostratum NMS1.5 may be utilized as an environmentally friendly and affordable alternative biosorbent material for EBT removal.