Original Articles
Geetha K, NVelmani and PS Syed
Abstract
The use of low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents has been investigated as an ideal alternative to the current expensive methods of removing dyes from wastewater. This paper deals with the removal of Acid Red 114 from aqueous solutions using activated carbons prepared from agricultural waste materials such as Ceiba Pentandra wood waste which is converted into thermally activated carbon (CPAC) using H3PO4. Optimum conditions for Acid Red 114 removal was found to be pH 6, adsorbent dosage = 100mg/L of solution and equilibrium time=240mins.Higher removal percentages were observed at lower concentrations of Acid Red 114. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well to Langmuir equation. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed both pseudo - second-order and Elovich equation. The thermodynamics parameters such as ΔG, ΔH and ΔS were also evaluated. The activated carbons prepared were characterized by FTIR and SEM analysis.