Interpretation of lead removal by two biomasses at different size via monitoring the solution environment

Abstract It is imperative to seek for a quick monitoring method in the sustainable cleanup of heavy metal contaminated water and in the efficient use of waste biomass resources. In this study, SMS (spent mushroom substrate) and CSMS (composted spent mushroom substrate) were processed into particles at different size for the lead removal from solution. The results indicate that biomass particles at different size are inconsistent in functional groups characteristics. In batch experiments, changes in pH and EC (electric conductivity) can explicate the lead removal process and the effect of particle size and dissolved matter on removal rate. The established removal rate models based on pH and EC value (p˂0.01) can be used to assess the efficiency of particles in lead removal. In fixed-bed experiment, lead removal rate is highly correlated with pH value (0.763–0.986, p˂0.01). The present study provides a quick method for monitoring the removal efficiency of waste biomass in the treatment of metal contaminated water.