Kalaivani P., Sankari J., Sitrarasu D. and Pagutharivalan R.
Abstract
Studies on the removal of Congo red (CR) dye by adsorption on acid activated carbon like Azadirachta indica Bark Carbon (AIBC) has been made and the results have been compared with that of commercial activated Carbon (CAC). Effect of various experimental parameters has been investigated using batch adsorption technique at room temperature (30±1 0C). The percentage removal of CR increases with decrease in the initial concentration of CR, initial pH and particle size of adsorbent and increases with increase in the contact time and dose of adsorbent. Adsorption data were modeled with the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms and various first order kinetic equations at 30±1 0C. The kinetic of adsorption isfoun d to be first order with intra particle diffusion as one of the rate determining steps. The mechanism of adsorption for CR on to various carbons were investigated by using the experimental results and confirmed by FT-IR and SEM images. The adsorbent material AABC is employed as low cost adsorbent as an alternative material to CAC for the removal of CR.