Abstract
The removal of reactive dyes on modified coal fly ash has been investigated during a series of batch adsorption experiments. Physical characteristics of modified coal fly ash was characterized by Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of operational parameters such as initial dye concentration (50–200 mg/L), solution pH (4–10) and adsorbent dosage (50–200 mg/L) were studied. The adsorption experiments indicated that modified coal fly ash was effective in removing of Remazol Blue. The percentage removal of dyes increased while the modified fly ash dosage increased. The percentage removal of dyes increased with decreased initial concentration of the dye and also increased with amount of adsorbent used. The optimum of removal of dyes was found to be 94% at initial dye concentration 50 g/mL, modified fly ash dosage 250 g/mL, and pH of 2.0.
Highlights
A large number of dyes are produced annually and applied in various industries, including textiles, cosmetics, paper, leather, pharmaceuticals and food
The well-known Brunnauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation was used for the calculation of specific surface area, SBET, pore volume, V, and the average pore diameter, R
It reveals that the acid treatment enhances the surface area and pore volume of the RFA, while decreases its average pore diameter. This may be explained by the increasing micropore content of the modified fly ash (MFA) after the impurities and organics were removed by acid and water
Summary
A large number of dyes are produced annually and applied in various industries, including textiles, cosmetics, paper, leather, pharmaceuticals and food. Synthetic dyes and pigments are extensively used for dyeing and printing in industry. The textile industry accounts for two-thirds of the total dye market, consuming mostly reactive azo dyes due to the high demand for cotton fabrics with brilliant colors. In process of dyeing and printing colored products on textile industry, wastewater contaminated with dyes is generated. Discharge of hazardous wastewater without further treatment can seriously damage the environment. The colored discharged effluents inhibit penetration of sunlight and oxygen which are crucial requirements of aquatic life. Biodegradation of dyes is not an easy process due to their toxic and complex aromatic structure
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
