Quartzite an efficient adsorbent for the removal of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Quartzite obtained from local source was investigated for the removal of anionic dye congo red (CR) and cationic dye malachite green (MG) as an adsorbent from aqueous solution in batch experiment. The adsorption process was studied as a function of dye concentration, contact time, pH and temperature. Adsorption process was described well by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption capacity remained 666.7 mg/g for CR dye and 348.125 mg/g for MG dye. Data was analyzed thermodynamically, ΔH0 and ΔG0 values proved that adsorption of CR and MG is an endothermic and spontaneous process. Adsorption data fitted best in the pseudo-first order kinetic model. The adsorption data proved that quartzite exhibits the best adsorption capacity and can be utilized for the removal of anionic and cationic dyes. Keywords: Adsorption, Quartzite, Congo red, Malachite green