Abstract

In this study, Aspergillus wentii was used as a biosorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration, solution pH and temperature on biosorption were investigated. The contact time required (that is, the equilibrium time) for maximum dye biosorption was found to be 120 min. The amount of the dye biosorbed increased with increasing initial dye concentrations and solution pH, while it was decreasing with an increase in temperature. Percent biosorption was changed between 14.86 and 85.04 under all conditions studied. Desorption studies were performed by changing of the value pH among 3 - 10. Desorption was considerably affected by lower pH.The maximum percentage of desorption was found to be 29.51 at pH 3. Biosorption isotherm from equilibrium values followed Freundlich model.

Key words: Aspergillus wentii, dye, methylene blue, biosorption, desorption, isotherm.