Removal of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) from the environment by Trametes versicolor: a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method

Abstract

Nanotechnology has increased the release of nanoparticles into the environment, which poses a risk to human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, finding ways to eliminate these hazardous particles from the environment is crucial. This research studied the ability of Trametes versicolor fungi to remove carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The study analyzed the impact of pH, MWCNT-COOH concentration, and initial fungal growth time on the removal process. The properties of the adsorbent were measured before and after the biosorption process using SEM, FTIR, and EDS techniques. The results showed that the live biomass of T. versicolor was more effective in removing nanoparticles than dead biomass at 30 °C and pH 7. An increase in carbon nanotube concentration from 5 to 20 mg. mL−1 decreased biosorption potential from 100% to 28.55 ± 1.7%. The study also found that an increase in initial fungal growth time led to higher biomass production and adsorption capacity, increasing biosorption ability for concentrations > 5mg. ml−1. The biosorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model and corresponded most closely to the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of live fungal biomass to remove multi-walled carbon nanotubes was 945.17 mg. g−1, indicating that T. versicolor fungi have significant potential for removing carbon nanostructures from the environment.