Column adsorption of aniline by a surface modified jute fiber and its regeneration property

Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) modified jute fiber was prepared for aniline adsorption from aqueous solution in a fixed-bed column. A series of column tests were performed to determine the breakthrough characteristics, by varying bed depths (12–48 mm), influent flow rates (10–20 mL/min) and initial concentrations (50–200 mg/L). Results illustrated an encouraging performance for aniline adsorption, with an adsorption capacity of 91.5 mg/g, at an influent concentration of 200 mg/L and adsorbent bed depth of 24 mm. Dynamic adsorption behavior was satisfactory described by Thomas, Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) and Yoon-Nelson models. Dynamic modeling analysis revealed that the best predictions of breakthrough curves were obtained with the BDST model. The exhausted biosorbent could get an effective desorption with 0.5 M hydrochloric acid solution. After three regeneration cycles, above 95% adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was maintained. The findings reveal that the modified jute fiber is a potential adsorbent for aniline pollution remediation.