Assessment of Pb2+ removal capacity of lichen (Evernia prunastri): application of adsorption kinetic, isotherm models, and thermodynamics

Biological materials play a significant role in the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated soil and wastewater. In this study, the Pb2+ biosorption potential of lichen Evernia prunastri, extensively available at a forest in Bilecik-Turkey, was investigated at batch-scale level. The optimal conditions were determined and the adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamic calculations were also done. In order to have detailed knowledge about metal biosorption, SEM, FTIR, and BET analyses were carried out before and after the biosorption process. The optimal pH was found pH 4 and the maximum metal uptake capacity was found as 0.067 mol kg(-1). The results of this study indicate that the lichen was effectively applied to the removal of Pb2+ process as an inexpensive biosorbent from industrial wastewater.