Abstract
In this project, eriochrome black T (EBT) and methylene blue (MB) which are well known textile and other industries effluents pollutants were removed by activated carbon prepared from the plant, having no medicinal or other importance (stem of Buxus Wallichiana) by pyrolysis method. Initially, different analytical techniques were applied to describe the composition and morphology of the prepared activated carbon (ACs). Different structural analysis found that pyrolysis at 600 °C brought a significant change in chemical composition of the prepared ACs. EDX elucidated high carbon contents ACs was formed which is highly desires for adsorption process. For optimization of different conditions for adsorption of both the dyes, different parameters which include initial concentration of both the dyes, pH of dye solutions, contact time and temperature were investigated in batch mode. It was found from adsorption of dyes on the prepared ACs that maximum amount of MB and EBT adsorption were 866.15 mg/g and 383 mg/g respectively. Also, adsorption of MB on the prepared ACs was higher than commercial ACs while in case of EBT commercial ACs has higher adsorption value than the prepared ACs. Due to physisorption nature, maximum adsorption of both the dyes took place at low temperature. The pH at PZC for ACs was around 5.9. The adsorptions of the EBT and MB on the prepared ACs were exothermic in nature due to the -ve value of enthalpy. The reusability of the prepared ACs was checked, with the adsorption capacity dropping from 126 mg/g to 103 mg/g over the course of five cycles in the real sample. These findings suggest that Buxus Wallichiana stem is a suitable biosorption substitute for the remediation of cationic (MB) and anionic (EBT) dyes from textile industrial effluents.
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•Activated carbon prepared from Buxus Wallichiana by pyrolysis method.•Efficient adsorbent for the removal of MB and EBT dyes.•Adsorption capacity for MB reached to 866.15 mg/g while 383 mg/g for EBT.•Highly stable and recyclable adsorbent up to five cycles.