An effective adsorbent based on sawdust for removal of direct dye from aqueous solutions

Sawdust, SD, was reacted with Sandene 850 (polyamine) in alkaline medium to yield cationized sawdust. The latter was characterized through its Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra and nitrogen content. Thus, obtained cationized sawdust was harnessed for removal of Direct Red 23 from aqueous solutions. Adsorption studies were performed under different agitation time, adsorbent and adsorbate concentrations and the onset of this on the adsorption capacity of Direct Red 23 onto cationized sawdust. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied in the adsorption studies. The study showed that the cationized sawdust is effectively used in adsorption of Direct Red 23 from aqueous solutions.