Adsorption of anionic surfactant by a low-cost adsorbent

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of rubber granule, a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) that is a representative member of anionic surfactant (AS). In the batch experiments conducted at an initial concentration range of 2-6 mg/l, it was found that the rubber granules selected could remove SDS from water up to 90%. Kinetic profiles were developed for various conditions. Effects of adsorbent size, initial adsorbate concentration and adsorbent dose, pH, Ca2+ ion concentration, Fe2+ ion concentration, Cl- ion concentration, and ionic strength on the adsorption of SDS on rubber granules were studied. The adsorption isotherm studies were also conducted.