ADSORPTION OF METHYL RED AND METHYL ORANGE USING DIFFERENT TREE BARK POWDER

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP) and Locust bean tree bark powder (LBP). The effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature and pH of the medium were investigated. Moisture content, bulk density and ash contents are some of the proximate analysis carried out on the bark of trees powder produced. The adsorption capabilities of the adsorbents were tested by adsorbing a known concentration of methyl orange and methyl red at the same operating conditions. Adsorption of the dyes were found to increase as the adsorbent dosage increases but decreases as initial concentration of the adsorbate (dyes) increases, this due to the fact that the active site of the adsorbent can adsorb a certain concentration of the dye. It was also found that the pH of the solution determines the concentration of the adsorbate that would be adsorbed on to a given adsorbent. Neem tree bark, Mango tree bark and Locust bean bark are promising adsorbent which can be used to clean up textile wastes. The adsorption isotherm was also studied and the data obtained fits in well into Langmiur isotherm.