Development of green geo-adsorbent pellets from low fire clay for possible use in methylene blue removal in aquaculture

Abstract

Mesoporous clay ceramic pellets have been prepared by sintering silica rich low fire clay at two different temperatures (650 °C and 850 °C). The prepared ceramic pellets were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRF, compressive strength and water adsorption capacity. The methylene blue removal capacity of ceramic pellets was investigated and it was found that the uptake capacity of pellets was found to be increasing with increase in the initial dye concentration, while it was found to be decreasing with increase in pellet dose. Presence of co-ions and change in pH had no effect on the removal capacity. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model while the adsorption kinetics was well described by the pseudo-second order model. A simple device that can be used in aquariums, made from stainless steel wire mesh containing the ceramic pellets has been described which can slowly yet effectively remove MB from tap water at ultralow concentrations.