Dye removal from wastewater using the adsorbent developed from sewage sludge

Sewage sludge was used to develop an effective carbon adsorbent. This adsorbent was employed for the removal of azo dye such as Direct Dark Brown M and Acid Mordant Brown RH. The adsorption of dyes on this adsorbent was studied as a function of contact time, concentration, pH and temperature by batch method. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of a carbonaceous adsorbent prepared from city wastewater treatment plant was 502, and 329.7 mg/g of Direct Dark Brown M and Acid Mordant Brown RH, respectively. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the Lagergren second-order kinetics with good correlation. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the carbonaceous adsorbents was determined with the Langmuir equation as well as the Lagergren second-order rate equation. The most ideal pH for adsorption of two dyes onto adsorbents was found to be 3 and below. The results indicate that the carbonaceous adsorbents could be employed as a low cost adsorbent in the removal of dyes from wastewater.