Abstract
Ipomoea aquatica (IA) was investigated for its potential as a low-cost adsorbent to remove toxic methyl violet 2B (MV2B) dye in aqueous solutions. Optimising parameters such as the effects of contact time, medium pH and ionic strength (using NaCl, NaNO3, KCl and KNO3) were investigated. The results indicated that 150 min were sufficient for the adsorption to reach an equilibrium state and no adjustment of pH medium was necessary. Batch adsorption experiments such as adsorption isotherm, thermodynamics and kinetics were investigated and the experimental isotherm data were fitted to six isotherm models, namely Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Redlich-Peterson and Sips, with the latter being the best-fit isotherm model showing maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 267.9 mg g−1. Thermodynamics studies indicated adsorption of MV2B to be exothermic in nature, occurring spontaneously. The kinetics was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. Regeneration of IA pointed to its reusability, maintaining high adsorption capacity even up until Cycle 5 when treated with acid (HCl) and base (NaOH). Functional groups such as hydroxyl and amine groups which could be involved in the adsorption of MV2B were determined using FTIR spectroscopy, and the point of zero charge of IA was found to be at pH 6.81.
Highlights
Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of the environment due to the introduction of pollutants that can cause harm and damage to the environment and to human and other living organisms
The effect of contact time is one of the essential optimising parameters to be determined in all adsorption studies as it establishes the optimum contact time for an adsorbent–adsorbate system to reach an equilibrium state
Ipomoea aquatica (IA) was successfully used as an adsorbent for the removal of methyl violet 2B (MV2B)
Summary
Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of the environment due to the introduction of pollutants that can cause harm and damage to the environment and to human and other living organisms. It occurs because the rate of introduction of elements into the nature increases at a rate faster than natural processes can destroy them. One of the major environmental pollutions that cause significant damage to the environment and human health is water pollution. Since water is a survival necessity to all living organisms including human, water pollution can directly affect our health or even endanger our life. Water pollution harms aquatic organisms which in turn affects the food chain and creates water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever and malaria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
