Removal of chrome dye from aqueous solutions by fly ash

Abstract

The ability of fly ash to remove Omega Chrome Red ME (a chrome dye, mostly used in textile industries) from water has been studied. It has been found that low adsorbate concentration, small particle size of adsorbent, low temperature, and acidic pH of the medium favor the removal of chrome dye from aqueous solutions. The dynamics of adsorbate transport from bulk to the solid phase has been studied at different temperatures in light of the adsorption of dye on the outer surface as well as diffusion within the pores of fly ash. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm suggests the formation of monolayer coverage of dye molecules on the outer interface of adsorbent. The thermodynamics of chrome dye-fly ash system indicates spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process. The pronounced removal of chrome dye in the acidic range may be due to the association of dye anions with the positively charged surface of the adsorbent.