Basic Dye (Metyhl Red) removal from simulated wastewater by adsorption using treated sugarcane bagasse

Abstract

Dyes are used in many industries such as food, paper, carpet, rubber, plastics, cosmetic and textile industries. The effectiveness of the adsorption for dye removal from wastewater has made it an ideal alternative to other expensive treatment methods. This study investigated the potential use of sugarcane bagasse, pretreated with formaldehyde and sulphuric acid for the removal of methyl red dye from simulated wastewater. The effect of the initial dye concentration was investigated. The study shows that higher adsorption percentages were observed at lower concentrations of methyl red and the result is compared with the commercially available activated carbon. For the powdered activated carbon (PAC), the percentage of intake almost 100% for all initial dyes concentration. On the other hand, for formaldehyde treated sugarcane bagasse (PCSB), the highest percentage of removal (85.9%) was obtained for 50 mg/L of initial dyes concentration and 40.5% for initial dyes concentrations of 250 mg/L. For the sulphuric acid treated sugarcane bagasse (PCSBC), the highest and the lowest percentages of dyes removal are 96.2% and 87.3%, respectively. From this study, we can conclude that sulphuric acid or formaldehyde treated sugarcane bagasse can be attractive option for dye removal from dilute industrial effluent.