Biosorption of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Synthetic dyes, like methylene blue, in effluents of chemical industries, are reported to be toxic with alleged carcinogenic and genotoxic consequences. Biosorption is considered as a low-cost alternative to the costly removal processes. Agricultural wastes and plant biomass and are contemplated to be low-cost candidates because they can be used without or with a minimum of processing. This work was intended to test the possibility and comparative study of different low-cost natural adsorbents [Coconut husk (H), Groundnut shell (G), Cow Dung (C) and moss (M)] for the sequestration of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution. A batch process was done to study the effects of different parameters such as contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration. Adsorption equilibrium data were represented using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. 75 % of dye removal was observed with moss, hence proves to be an effective, low-cost adsorbent.