Biodecolorization of Basic Blue 41 using EM based Composts: Isotherm and Kinetics

Abstract

AbstractThe main goal of this research was to prepare composts from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves and water hyacinth plant for the remediation of Basic Blue 41 (BB41) bearing wastewaters. The process of composting was performed using Effective Microorganisms (EM) for neem tree leaves (EMLC) and water hyacinth waste (EMWHC). Through preliminary experiments, for biosorption of BB41, 1.18 mm and 2 g/L were identified as the optimum particle size and compost dosage, respectively. The pH edge experiments revealed that pH 8 as optimum for BB41 biosorption and the isotherm experiments indicated that EMLC and EMWHC can biosorb 456.8 and 158.0 mg/g, respectively, according to the Langmuir model. The isotherm data were further examined using the Freundlich, Sips, Toth and Redlich‐Peterson models, with the later produced high R2 values and good prediction. Biosorption of BB41 onto EMLC and EMWHC was rapid with 90% BB41 removal was achieved within first 90 and 120 min of contact, respectively. The biosorbed BB41 was effectively desorbed from EMLC and EMWHC using HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, NaOH and CaCl2 with desorption efficiencies greater than 94%. Both EMLC and EMWHC were also regenerated and re‐used for BB41 biosorption in three consecutive sorption‐desorption cycles.