Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies of ternary system dye removal using a biopolymer

In this paper, dye removal ability of sodium alginate (SA) as a biopolymer from ternary systems was investigated. Physical characteristics of SA were studied using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three textile basic dyes were used as model compounds. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics were studied. The effect of SA dosage, initial dye concentration and pH on dye removal was elucidated. It was found that adsorption kinetics of dyes followed with pseudo-second order kinetics. In addition, dyes followed with Langmuir, and extended Langmuir isotherm in single and ternary systems, respectively. The thermodynamic data showed that the dye adsorption onto SA was a spontaneous, endothermic and physisorption reaction. Based on the data of present investigation, one could conclude that the alginate being a biocompatible, eco-friendly and low-cost adsorbent might be a suitable alternative for elimination of dyes from colored aqueous solutions.

► Dye adsorption on alginate followed extended Langmuir model in ternary system. ► Dye adsorption on alginate followed pseudo-second order in ternary system. ► Dye adsorption on alginate was endothermic and physisorption reaction.