Tropical Plant Research

Tin Myat Myat Soe*, Nyein Min Zaw and Ngu Wah Thinn

Mandalay Technological University, Mandalay, Myanmar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2024.v11.i1.004

Abstract:
This study investigates the biosorption of lead (II) and manganese (II) in aqueous solutions using sodium alginate and mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) beads as adsorbents. In Mandalay City, heavy metal contamination was found above WHO standards. Heavy metals are toxic to not only every organ but also every system in the human body. To address this problem, a mixture of mushroom and alginate beads was used to remove lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) concentrations from synthetic solutions. These experiments were carried out by varying initial metal concentrations, biosorbent dosages, and pH. The reduction percentages of Pb (II) and Mn (II) were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The combination of alginate and mushrooms resulted in above 75% reduction in Pb and 55% reduction in Mn. Mushrooms showed the most significant effect on the reduction of the metals in both experiments. The analysis of the FTIR spectrum showed that the uptake of metal ions by mushrooms involves interactions of ions with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide groups. This research contributes basic knowledge to the development of environmentally sustainable approaches to mitigate metal pollution through the application of natural adsorbents. This study aims to develop efficient and sustainable methods for mitigating the environmental impact of lead and manganese contamination through biosorption.