A low cost adsorbent prepared from Curcuma angustifolia scales for removal of Basic violet 14 from aqueous solution

Abstract

The adsorption characteristics of a low cost adsorbent prepared from Curcuma angustifolia scales (CA) for the removal of Basic Violet 14 from aqueous solution has been investigated. The experimental data have been analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The results show that the adsorption isotherm is best defined by the Langmuir isotherm model and the adsorption capacity is found to be 208.33 mg/g for the prepared low cost adsorbent. The adsorption capacity of the prepared low cost adsorbent is superior compared with that of the adsorption capacity of calgon carbon. The kinetic data result at different concentrations have been analysed using pseudo first-order and pseudo-second order model. Boyd plot indicate that the adsorption of dye onto the low cost adsorbent and calgon carbon is controlled by film diffusion. Thermodynamic analysis indicate that the adsorption process is endothermic in nature. The adsorbent is characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The material used in this study is an agricultural waste product, economical to use as an alternative to costlier adsorbents and can be an attractive option for dye removal in wastewater treatment processes in industries.