DETERMINATION OF METHYLENE BLUE BIOSORPTION BY Rhizopus arrhizus IN THE PRESENCE OF SURFACTANTS WITH DIFFERENT CHEMICAL STRUCTURES

Abstract

Methylene blue (MB) biosorption properties of Rhizopus arrhizus were investigated in the presence of surfactants. The effects of cationic and anionic surfactants on MB removal by dead biomass (1 g L-1) were determined. MB removal was tested as a function of initial pH (2-12), contact time (5-1440 min), and dye (37.4-944.7 mg L-1) and surfactant (0-10 mM) concentrations. The opposite charged anionic surfactant dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (DBS) enhanced sorption of cationic MB by biomass dramatically. Maximum biosorption capacity was 471.5 mg g(-1) at pH 8 with 0.5 mM DBS at 944.7 mg L-1 MB concentration. The surfactant-stimulated fungal decolorization method may provide a highly efficient, inexpensive, and time-saving procedure in biological wastewater treatment technologies.