Removal of remazol black B textile dye from aqueous solution by adsorption

Brazilian pine-fruit shells (Araucaria angustifolia) in natural form and as activated carbon were tested as adsorbents for the removal of remazol black B (RB) textile dye from aqueous effluents. The effects of shaking time, adsorbent dosage and pH on the adsorption capacity were studied. RB uptake was favorable at pH values ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 and from 2.0 to 7.0 for the biosorbent and the activated carbon, respectively. The contact time required to obtain the equilibrium using the biosorbent and the activated carbon was 12 and 4 h at 298 K, respectively. The fractionary-order kinetic model provided the best fit to experimental data compared with other models. Equilibrium data were better fit to the Sips isotherm model using the biosorbent as well as the activated carbon. The enthalpy and entropy of adsorption of RB were obtained from adsorption experiments ranging from 298 to 323 K. Simulated dyehouse effluents were used to check the applicability of the proposed adsorbents for effluent treatment. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.