Biosorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions by modified mesoporous Simarouba glauca seed shell powder

Abstract

The present study investigates the ability of formaldehyde treated Simarouba glauca seed shell powder for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were carried out under various experimental conditions such as agitation time, dye concentration, adsorbent dose and pH. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), XRD, BET and CHNS analysis. The adsorption data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin -Radushkevich isotherms. Equilibrium data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity of 111.1 mg g -1. Adsorption kinetic data were verified using pseudo first order, pseudo second order and Intraparticle diffusion model. The kinetic data were found to fit well with pseudo second order model.