Highly Efficient Dye Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Simple Chemical Modification of Wood Sawdust

Abstract

This study examined the efficiency of oxidized wood meal for removal of methylene blue (MB) as a typical basic dye from aqueous waste streams. The adsorption process was performed using sawdust treated with KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇, and H₂O₂ oxidants. Among the tested chemical oxidants, KMnO₄ was found to be more effective for modification of sawdust for dye uptake. Based on the breakthrough analysis, the highest column capacity of 227 mg g⁻¹ was obtained for the KMnO₄/SD. Sorption capacity of KMnO₄ treated sawdust for dye uptake was about seven times that of untreated sawdust (SD). The nature and morphology of adsorbents were characterized by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The adsorption behavior of KMnO₄/SD was found to be a strongly pH-dependent process and the maximum adsorption efficiency was obtained at pH 10. Dye-loaded KMnO₄/SD sorbent can be regenerated using low-cost chemicals.

Keywords:

• Modified sawdust
• methylene blue
• adsorption
• fixed bed column, regeneration

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Postgraduate Studies of University of Guilan, Iran.