Dye removal from wastewater using the adsorbent developed from sewage sludge

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Wastewater treatment often involves removing persistent organic pollutants like azo dyes.
• Conventional methods for dye removal can be costly and generate secondary pollution.
• Developing cost-effective and sustainable adsorbents is crucial for environmental remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective carbon adsorbent from sewage sludge for azo dye removal.
• To investigate the adsorption performance and kinetics of the developed adsorbent.
• To evaluate the potential of this adsorbent as a low-cost solution for dye-contaminated wastewater.

Main Methods:

• Sewage sludge was processed to create a carbonaceous adsorbent.
• Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study dye removal.
• Adsorption was optimized by varying contact time, concentration, pH, and temperature.
• Adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models.
• Adsorption kinetics were evaluated using the Lagergren second-order model.

Main Results:

• The carbonaceous adsorbent exhibited high adsorption capacities: 502 mg/g for Direct Dark Brown M and 329.7 mg/g for Acid Mordant Brown RH.
• Adsorption equilibrium data best fitted the Langmuir model.
• Adsorption rates followed Lagergren second-order kinetics with high correlation.
• Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 3 or below.

Conclusions:

• Carbonaceous adsorbents derived from sewage sludge are effective for removing azo dyes.
• The adsorbent demonstrates high capacity and favorable kinetics, comparable to other advanced materials.
• This approach offers a sustainable and economical method for treating dye-laden industrial wastewater.