DECOLORIZATION OF A TEXTILE DYE, REACTIVE RED 198 (RR198), BY Aspergillus parasiticus FUNGAL BIOSORBENT

The decolorization potential of textile dye Reactive Red 198 (RR198) by Aspergillus parasiticus fungal biosorbent has been investigated as a function of initial pH, contact time, biosorbent and initial dye concentration in a batch system. Maximum dye biosorption capacity 1.03x10(-4) mol g(-1) was observed at pH 2.0 and 2.0 g L(-1) of biosorbent concentration. Biosorption equilibrium was attained within 50 min. The equilibrium data followed Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models at 20, 30, 40 and 50 C. An increase in the biosorption capacity of A. parasiticus with temperature showed that the decolorization process is endothermic. Results indicated that Aspergillus parasiticus was an effective candidate for textile dye RR198 removal from aqueous solutions.