Thin coated adsorbent layer: characteristics and performance study

Abstract

Adsorption is the most versatile and widely applied method for water and wastewater treatment due to their economic, simple in operation and efficient process. The aim of this study is to introduce a new approach on adsorption application that are tailored to operator’s requirement and make full use of the existing facilities. The current work will evaluate the feasibility performance of a thin coated adsorbent layer specifically design for colour removal in wastewater. This laboratory-scale experiments reported on the preparation of adsorbent coating layer named Paintosorp. Paintosorp coated on the surface of the glass and tested for its adsorption performance using methylene blue (MB) dye in batch scale. The adsorption process was investigated by varying the initial dye concentration, pH and temperature. The percentage removal of MB was found to be 99% for all concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/l upon achieved equilibrium within 4–20 h for the surface area approximately 0.03 m2 of coated Paintosorp. Equilibrium data were simulated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. Kinetic modelling was fitted to the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order equation, while adsorption mechanism was determined using the intraparticle diffusion model. The finding revealed the potential of Paintosorp as a viable coating adsorbent for future wastewater treatment technology as easily incorporated with plant’s existing facilities and can be tailored to the customer’s needs.