Validating Adsorptive Capacity of Areca Husk Carbon onto Methylene Blue & ANOVA Modelling

Abstract

ANOVA and chemical kinetics parameters are attempted effectively to optimize the absorptive capacity of an indigenously prepared adsorbent. In this study, the ability of Areca Husk Carbon to adsorb Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution was investigated. Batch experiments were carried out for the adsorption of dye molecules onto AHC at room temperature. The influences of various factors such as particle size, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH and temperature on the adsorption capacity were investigated and optimal experimental conditions were ascertained. Adsorption data were modelled using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms. Adsorption kinetics were verified by pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models. The kinetic adsorption data fitted the pseudo-first order kinetic model well and also followed the intra-particle diffusion model. Thermodynamic parameters have also been evaluated. The structural and morphological of activated carbon were characterized by FTIR and SEM studies respectively. Main and interaction effects were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), F-test and p-values to define most important process variables affecting the dye adsorption. The results indicated that AHC could be employed as a low cost adsorbent in wastewater treatment for the removal of MB.