Fixed-bed column performances of azure-II and auramine-O adsorption by Pinus eldarica stalks activated carbon and its composite with zno nanoparticles: Optimization by response surface methodology based on central composite design

Abstract

A continuous adsorption was used for removal of azure II (AZ II) and auramine O (AO) from aqueous solutions using Pinus eldarica stalks activated carbon (PES-AC) from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial dye concentration, flow rate, bed height and contact time on removal percentage of AO and AZ II were evaluated and optimized by central composite design (CCD) at optimum pH = 7.0. ZnO nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon were also used to remove AO and AZ II at pH = 7.0 and other optimum conditions. The breakthrough curves were obtained at different flow rates, initial dye concentrations and bed heights and the experimental data were fitted by Thomas, Adams–Bohart and Yoon–Nelson models. The main parameters of fixed-bed column including its adsorption capacity at breakthrough point (qb), adsorption capacity at saturation point (qs), mass transfer zone (MTZ), total removal percentage (R%), and empty bed contact time (EBCT) were calculated. The removal percentages calculated for AZ II and AO II were in the range of 51.6–61.1% and 40.6–61.6%, respectively. Bed adsorption capacity (N0) and critical bed depth (Z0) were obtained by BDST model.