Batch Adsorption Study of Synthetic Dye Mix in Aqueous Solution using Activated Carbon Prepared from Coconut Shell

Abstract

This investigation focuses on the effectiveness of coconut shell activated carbon in removing synthetic dye mixture from aqueous solutions. Coconut shell activated carbon, an economical and effective adsorbent, was made from agricultural waste raw material and chemically activated by sulphuric acid treatment. Activated carbon is characterised using FT-IR and SEM analysis. Batch adsorption studies were conducted by adjusting conditions such contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and temperature. The equilibrium of the adsorption process was described through analysis of isothermal models including Freundlich, Langmuir, and Scatchard. Kinetic data followed a pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous, and feasible. The results of the experiment indicate that coconut shell activated carbon is an effective, environmentally acceptable adsorbent for eliminating synthetic dye mixt from aqueous solution.