Adsorption behavior and kinetics of methyl orange in water on activated carbon

The adsorption behavior of methyl orange aqueous solution was investigated on husk-based activated carbon. The effects of key factors, i.e., degassing pretreatment, adsorption time, temperature, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration, on the adsorption efficiency were measured. The kinetic adsorption curves and adsorption isotherms were fitted with theoretical model. The results show that the removal efficiency of methyl orange could be significantly improved by degassing pretreatment, prolonging the time, lowering temperature or reducing the initial concentration. In the context, adsorption equilibrium will be achieved up 90min. Furthermore, adsorption rate will be enhanced by the increase of the amount of activated carbon. In conclusion, adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics can be fitted well with Freundlich equation and pseudo-first Lagergren model, respectively.