Comparative Study of Removal Efficiency of Cationic Dyes by Chromolaena Odorata Weed Powder

Abstract

In the present study the dye removal efficiency of a cationic dyes namely Malachite green(MG) and Rhodamine Blue (Rh B)onto the activated surface of Chromolaena odorata weed(COW) powder is studied and compared in batch mode. COW powder is activated first by acidifying and then by carbonization and surface analysis was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope before and after the adsorption. Various parameters like initial Dye concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, and contact duration have been investigated in case of both dyes to evaluate the optimum conditions for greater adsorption rates. Highest Colour removal percentage of MG was found to be93% (at a contact time of 40 min) and 71.23% for Rh B (contact time

45 min).The experimental data was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. Results prove that Freundlich isotherm model fits best for adsorption studies. The kinetic studies concluded that the kinetic data of adsorption studies  best  fitted to pseudo – first-order model. Experimental  data  clearly  shows  that  activated  COW powder acts as a potential adsorbent for the adsorption of MG when compared with Rh B Dye.