Optimization of methylene blue adsorption by pumice powder

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to evaluate adsorptive removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution using pumice powder. The effects of pH, adsorption time, agitation speed, adsorbent dose, and dye concentrations on dye adsorption were investigated. Process kinetics and isotherm model constants were determined accordingly. The results showed that adsorbent dose, dye concentration and agitation speed are the important parameters on dye adsorption and the removal of MB did not significantly change by varying pH. A total adsorption process time of 60 min was observed to be sufficient to effectively remove 50 mg/L MB concentration. The MB adsorption data obeyed both pseudo first order and second order kinetic models. Adsorption of MB by pumice fitted well both Langmiur and Freundlich isotherms (R-2 >= 0.9700), except for 150 rpm agitation speed that system fitted only Langmiur isotherm. The results of this study emphasize that pumice powder can be used as a low cost and effective adsorbent for dye removal.