REMOVAL OF METHYLENE BLUE DYE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING PINE SHELL ASH

摘要

Wastewater treatment and removal of dyes has always been considered as an important measure for the control of pollution originated from industrial wastes especially that of textile and dying industries. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of ash prepared from pine shell as a natural adsorbent to remove methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions in lab conditions. The effect of variables such as pH (3-13), contact time (30-180), adsorbent dose (0.55 g/L) and methylene blue initial concentration on the efficiency of removal of dye from a synthetic wastewater was investigated. The greatest removal efficiency was 92.75% that was achieved at pH of 9, 120 min contact time, adsorbent dose of 3 g/L and dye initial concentration of 100 mg/L. Removal efficiency of over 90% indicates that pine shell ash can be considered as a natural, effective and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue dye and wastewater treatment. Therefore, this technique is recommended to eliminate colored pollutants from aqueous environments.