Kinetic Sorption of 2,4-Dichlorophenol and Rhodamine-B from Aqueous Solutions onto Modified Phragmites Australis

Abstract

This study investigates the potential use of activated carbon prepared from Phragmites Australis for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) and Rhodamine-B (RB) from aqueous solutions. P. Australis activated carbon (PAAC), a new adsorbent, was prepared from P. Australis by H3PO4 activation. The sorption behavior and the rate-controlling sorption step has been discussed from the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich equation and intraparticle diffusion models. It was found that the adsorption of 2,4-DCP and RB onto PAAC both followed pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption mechanism studies revealed that the process followed both surface adsorption and particle diffusion. Accordingly, the activated carbon developed in this study is effective and practical for utilization in wastewater treatment for 2,4-DCP and RB removal.