Methylene Blue and Brilliant Green Dyes Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Agricultural Wastes Activated Carbon

Abstract

This paper investigated the analyses of removal of Methylene Blue (MB) and Brilliant Green (BG) dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorption on activated carbon prepared by chemical activation of coconut shell, eucalyptus tree, corn cob and flamboyant pod. It was found that the carbon pores increased after carbonization and activation processes. The maximum percentage MB 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. Also, the maximum percentage BG 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. The adsorption isotherms of the adsorption process were studied, and Freundlich model showed the best fit with the equilibrium data. To optimize the operating conditions, the effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH were investigated by two levels of factorial experimental design method and adsorbent dosage was found as the most significant factor.