Chemical modification of a plant origin biomass using cationic surfactant ABDAC and the biosorptive decolorization of RR45 containing solutions

This study focused on the improvement of the decolorization potential of biomass derived from Pyracantha coccinea. Alkyl benyzldimethyl ammonium chloride (ABDAC) was used as modification agent. Batch mode decolorization potential of modified biosorbent was explored at different operating conditions. ABDAC modification significantly increased the biosorption yield to 97.27%, which was 3.88 times higher than that of natural biomass. The prepared biosorbent was effectively used for the decolorization of Reactive Red 45 contaminated solutions after the optimization of biosorption conditions. The non-linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the isotherm and kinetic model parameters. Process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the highest monolayer capacity of 152.49 mg g−1 was obtained with a small amount of modified biosorbent. Kinetic studies indicated fast decolorization rate of the process following the pseudo-first-order model. Biosorption performance of the prepared biosorbent was tested in RR45 containing real wastewater sample. The possible dye biosorbent interactions in the biosorption process were explored by zeta potential, scanning electron microscobe and FTIR analysis.

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► We prepared a modified biosorbent with high biosorption capacity.
► Modification considerably improved the decolorization potential of biosorbent.
► Results were described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
► The possible dye removal mechanisms were characterized.