Abstract
The ability of melon peel (Cucumis melo L.) (MP) for the biosorption of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye, from aqueous solutions was investigated. Biosorption isotherm and kinetics of MB by MP were studied through a number of batch sorption experiments. The influence of operating conditions such as initial dye concentration, biosorbent dose, initial pH, stirring speed, temperature, and ionic strength on the removal of MB was examined. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. Experimental equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm with maximum monolayer sorption capacity of 333 mg g(-1). Biosorption kinetic obtained at different initial concentrations were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. The pseudo-second-order model fit the kinetic data well and was better than the pseudo-first-order equation. The results revealed that the MP has the potential to be used as a biosorbent for the removal of MB from aqueous solutions.