Studies on the removal of rhodamine B and malachite green from aqueous solutions by activated carbon

Abstract

Activated carbon prepared from tamarind fruit shells by direct carbonization was used for the removal of rhodamine B and malachite green dyes from aqueous solutions. Adsorption studies were performed by varying such parameters as dye concentration, pH of the dye solution, time and temperature. The equilibrium adsorption data obtained were used to calculate the Freundlich, Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm parameters. Increase in pH of the solution pH resulted in increased adsorption of both the dyes. Kinetic studies indicate that the pseudo-second order model can be used for describing the dynamics of the sorption processes. Film diffusion of the dyes was the rate determining step at low dye concentrations while diffusion of dyes through the pores the carbon particles determined the overall uptake at high concentrations. Thermodynamic parameters of the endothermic sorptions were evaluated using van't Hoff equation. Desorption studies with acids were also performed in order to regenerate the used carbons.