Removal of different basic dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorption on palm-fruit bunch particles

The adsorption of three basic dyes (basic yellow, basic red and basic blue) from an aqueous solution on palm-fruit bunch particles has been studied. The equilibrium isotherm for each dye-adsorbent system was determined. The experimental results have been fitted with Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacities of the palm-fruit bunch particles were found to be 327 mg yellow dye per gram of adsorbent, 180 mg red dye per gram of adsorbent and 92 mg blue dye per gram of adsorbent. A comparative cost study, based on the adsorption capacity alone, has shown that the costs of the adsorbent required are 1.9%, 4.4% and 7.1%, respectively, compared with the case of commercial activated carbon granules. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.