ADSORPTION OF METHYLENE BLUE AND BRILLIANT GREEN DYES UNTO MODIFIED ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTES

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the analysis of removal of Methylene Blue (MB) and Brilliant Green (BG) dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorption on modified activated carbon prepared by chemical activation of coconut shell, eucalyptus tree, corn cob and flamboyant pod. The maximum percentage methylene blue removal was obtained as 95.0% for coconut shell, 93.2% for eucalyptus tree, 99.9% for corn cob and 99.7% for flamboyant pod with all adsorbent dosage at 5g per 0.003mL. Also, the maximum percentage brilliant green removal was obtained as 97.0% for coconut shell, 98.2% for eucalyptus tree, 99.6% for corn cob and 99.6% for flamboyant pod with all adsorbent dosage at 5g per 0.003mL. The adsorption isotherms of the adsorption process were studied and Freundlich model showed the best fit with equilibrium data. To optimize the operating conditions, the effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH were investigated by two level factorial experimental design method; adsorbent dosage was found as the most significant factor, lower than 95% confidence level with P = 0.0008 for Methylene Blue and P = 0.0069 for Brilliant Green. The obtained results are very promising since the utilization of these agricultural wastes activated carbon used in this work played a critical role in the adsorption of dyes.