Adsorptive removal of methylene blue using the natural adsorbent-banana leaves

In this work, the banana leaf, an agricultural waste, widely used for wrapping of food was utilized as a low-cost adsorbent for removing methylene blue (MB) dye from the aqueous solution. The effects of initial concentration, contact time, and solution pH on the adsorption performance were investigated in a batch mode study at 30 degrees C. The adsorptive uptake of MB increased with increasing the initial MB concentration and solution pH. Equilibrium data were simulated using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model, showing a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 109.89 mg/g. Adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The results illustrated the potential use of waste banana leaves for the removal of colors and dyes from the textile wastewater.