Abstract

Removal of Malachite Green from Aqueous Solution by Activated Carbon Prepared from Almond Shell

Author(s): Sapana Takute, Shripal Singh and M. K. N. Yenkie

The objective of this study is to assess the adsorption potential of activated carbon prepared from almond shell for removal of malachite green (MG) from anaqueous waste. Almond shell based activated carbon was prepared chemically using ortho-phosrphoric acid at 700-800°C in a modified muffle furnace. Prepared activated carbon was characterised for proximate and ultimate analysis, Iodine number, N2-BET surface area, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FT-IR & SEM results strongly support significant spectral and chemical changes occurring due to the activation of the almond shells by phosphoric acid treatment. Batch isotherm and kinetic study experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption of the malachite green from aqueous solution with almond based activated carbon (ABAC). It is inferred from the results that ABAC is very effective and economically viable adsorbent for removal of malachite green from aqueous solution.