Preparation of activated carbon using sea mango (Cerbera odollam) with microwave-assisted technique for the removal of methyl orange from textile wastewater

Abstract

Sea mango (Cerbera odollam), a non-edible fruit which is abundantly available in Malaysia was transformed into a potential low-cost activated carbon for the removal of methyl orange (MO) (mono azo dye) from textile wastewater. The activated carbon was subjected to carbonization process at 200°C with nitrogen (N₂), followed by chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and physical activation using microwaves at 500°C for 2 h. The Brunauer–Emmet and Teller surface area for the produced activated carbon was 1,437 m²/g. The effects of several operating parameters, such as activated carbon dosage, contact time; initial concentration, and pH at room temperature on the adsorption process of MO from simulated textile wastewater were evaluated. The minimum duration for the dye adsorption reached the equilibrium state was 60 min. Removal of dye in acidic solutions was preferred rather than in basic solution. Higher initial dye concentration performed better on dye removal than lower concentration. Adsorption behavior of MO on sea mango activated carbon was expressed by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.

Keywords:

• Sea mango (Cerbera odollam)
• Activated carbon
• Methyl orange
• Phosphoric acid
• Microwaves
• Isotherms

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for financial support provided by the Research Acculturation Collaborative Effort (RACE) and Program Rakan Penyelidikan UM Grant (CR001-2014), which made this research possible.

Notes

Presented at The 2nd IWA Malaysia Young Water Professionals Conference 2015 (YWP15) Aspiring Beyond Water Solution, March 17–20, 2015, Langkawi Island, Malaysia