Removal of Cationic Dye from Aqueous Solutions by Modified Acid - Treated Pomegranate Peels (PUNICA GRANATUM): Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies (original) (raw)

In present research, a novel attempt was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various acid – treatments on the adsorption performance of pomegranate peels towards methyl green (MG) dye. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and BET measurements. A series of experiments were conducted in a batch system to assess the effect of the system variables, i.e. solution pH, temperature, ionic strength and contact time on the adsorption capacity. Maximum adsorption was taken place at pH 5.5 while equilibrium was achieved in 75 min. Equilibrium isotherms were analysed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin – Radushkevich isotherm equations. The equilibrium data fitted very well to the Langmuir Isotherm and the maximum capacity reached 29 mg g -1 at 303K. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow pseudo – second – order rate kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated and revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in na...