Biosorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions by a waste biomaterial: hen feathers

Shamik Chowdhury,Papita Das Saha

doi:10.1007/s13201-012-0039-0

Shamik Chowdhury, Papita Das Saha

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-012-0039-0

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Abstract

Biosorption potential of hen feathers (HFs) to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions was investigated. Batch experiments were carried out as function of different process parameters such as pH, initial dye concentration, biosorbent dose and temperature. The optimum conditions for removal of MB were found to be pH 7.0, biosorbent dose = 1.0 g, and initial dye concentration = 50 mg L−1. The temperature had a strong influence on the biosorption process. Experimental biosorption data were modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherms with the Langmuir isotherm showing the best fit at all temperatures studied. The maximum monolayer sorption capacity was determined as 134.76 mg g−1 at 303 K. According to the mean free energy values of sorption (E) calculated using the D–R isotherm model, biosorption of MB onto HFs was chemisorption. Kinetic studies showed that the biosorption of MB followed pseudo second-order kinetics. The activation energy (Ea) determined using the Arrhenius equation confirmed that the biosorption involved chemical ion-exchange. Thermodynamic studies showed that the biosorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. To conclude, HFs is a promising biosorbent for MB removal from aqueous solutions.

Highlights

The contamination of water bodies by synthetic dyes has created a serious environmental problem worldwide
We report the biosorption characteristics of hen feathers (HFs)—a waste biomaterial for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution
Batch mode biosorption studies indicate that the biosorption was strongly dependent on solution pH, initial dye concentration, biosorbent dose and reaction temperature

Summary

Introduction

The contamination of water bodies by synthetic dyes has created a serious environmental problem worldwide. Methylene blue (MB), a thiazine (cationic) dye, is commonly used for dyeing of silk, leather, plastics, paper, cotton mordanted with tannin, and in manufacturing of paints and printing inks (Nasuha et al 2010) It finds application in aquaculture as an alternative to malachite green for the treatment of fungal infections. MB is not hazardous compared to other commercial dyes, acute exposure to MB can cause increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and shock (Nasuha et al 2010; ALzaydien 2009) It can cause eye burns which may lead to permanent injury to the eyes of human and animals (Rafatullah et al 2010).

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