Removal and recovery of uranium (VI) using a fungal based low-cost biosorbent Ganoderma lucidum

The macrofungus Ganoderma lucidum was employed for removing and recovering uranium (VI) from low-level (10-100 mg/L) uranium wastewaters. Kinetic studies revealed rapid sorption, and kinetics data fitted a second-order model. Equilibrium studies revealed G. lucidum to be a potential biosorbent with specific uptake of 8.98 mg/g at pH 5 for equilibrium U(VI) concentration of 10 mg/L. To recover sorbed U(VI), 0.2N Na2CO3 was employed as eluant and resulted in near 100% recovery. Results of the study indicate that biosorption by Ganoderma lucidum may provide a low energy, cost-effective route for treating and recovering precious uranium from low-level uranyl wastewaters.