Optimization Of Adsorption Condition For The Removal Of Methylene Blue Dye Using Conventionally Activated Hamburger Seed Sheel

This research project was aimed at optimization of adsorption conditions for removal of methylene blue dye using conventionally activated hamburger seed shell.  The activated carbon was first prepared from the hamburger seed shell through carbonization at a temperature of 8000C for 2 hours followed by activation using conc. KOH 9m as activating agent at a temperature if 8500C for 1hour.  The prepared activated carbon was then used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution.  The influence of various adsorption conditions such as adsorption dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature and pH were studied.  The experimental data were analyzed by calculating the percentage removal and adsorptive capacity at equilibrium for the various adsorption factors.  The result obtained shows that the percentage removal increases with increase in adsorbent dosage, pH, and temperature and contact time while the effect of initial concentration increases with decrease in percentage removal. Similarly on the analysis of adsorptive capacity the pH, initial concentration and contact time increases with increase in adsorptive capacity.  From the results optimum adsorption was at pH of 10, 30mg/L initial concentration, 0.2g dosage and contact time of 3 hours.     

INTRODUCTION

Activated carbon are high porosity and high surface area material manufactured by process of carbonization and activation of the carbonaceous material which find extensive use in the adsorption of pollution (ie unwanted materials) from liquid and gaseous streams.  Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material which is amorphous in nature and in which a high degree of porosity is developed during the manufacturing and treatment process. Its high porosity and high surface area to volume ratio makes it the most versatile adsorbent to be used for the effective removal of organic solid like the methylene blue dye from industrial effluent before disposing to the environment. 

The intrinsic properties of activated carbon are dependent on the raw material used during manufacturing.  Activated carbon with high specific surface area and pore volume can be prepared from a variety of carbonaceous material such as coal, hamburger seed shell, wood, coconut shell, agricultural and industrial waste.  In industrial practices, coal, hamburger and coconut shell, are the two main sources for the production of activated carbon.  Other material like lignite, petroleum, coke, saw dust, peat, fruit and met shell may be used to manufacture activated carbon but the properties of the finished material are governed not only by the raw material used but also on the method of activation applied.