Abstract
The efficacy of chemically activated Indian bael (Aegle marmelos) shell biochar (CAIBSB) was investigated as an adsorbent. The adsorbent was used for the sequestration of the toxic dye malachite green (MG) from wastewater. The activation of biochar by sodium hydroxide introduced more pores, hence more surface area, leading to enhanced adsorption capacity. CAIBSB was characterized with XRD, FEGSEM, EDX, BET, and FTIR spectroscopy for estimating its adsorption prospects. The XRD pattern of CAIBSB displayed a diffuse peak and indicated that the biochar was amorphous. The BET and isotherms of CAIBSB revealed biochar to be mesoporous, with a favourable surface area of 70.9 m2/g. An uptake capacity of 120.45 mg/g with 95 % removal at optimum process conditions (initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, solution pH of 8.0, and equilibrium time of 60 min) were observed. The adsorption mechanism followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms. Over 80 % of the adsorption capacity remained intact after five cycles of use and regeneration. The fabrication cost of CAIBSB adsorbent was estimated to be only 7.79 USD/kg of adsorbent. A substantial reduction in the toxicity of MG dye was confirmed in the phytotoxicity experiments on the growth of Vigna mungo seeds.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
