METHYLENE BLUE ADSORPTION ON MALEIC ACID PRETREATED WHEAT STRAW

A low cost alternative to activated carbon adsorbent for the removal of dyes has double benefits i.e. water treatment and waste management. The purpose of this study was first to examine and then to maximize, if possible, the absorbency of modified wheat straw, in order to remove basic dyes like Methylene Blue (MB) from substitute wastewater. More specifically pretreated wheat straw, catalyzed by maleic acid hydrolysis, has been used as an adsorbent. The pretreatment was acid hydrolysis using a 3.75 L batch reactor, catalyzed by 0.01-0.09 M maleic acid, at 140-180 degrees C, for 0-50 min isothermal reaction time. The experimental condition combinations were chosen according to the principles of experimental design. The effect of the acid hydrolysis conditions, i.e., pretreatment time, temperature and maleic acid concentration, was investigated using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The applicability of various adsorption kinetic models and isotherm models is demonstrated herein.