Removal of Dye in Wastewater via Adsorption Using Agricultural Waste (Natural Sorbent)

Dye isa coloring agent that iswidely used by some ofthe industries. The color removal from the effluent waterhas beenone of the concerns during the wastewater treatment process. This is to overcome any adverse effect caused from the releasing of the dye to the inland waters. Various separation techniques have been proposed to remove the dye and it is revealed that adsorption is one of the most effective techniques. Anyway, researches have been made to identify potential adsorbent that is low in cost to be the adsorbent for the separation process undertaken. This is done in orderto replace the activated carbon used as the adsorbent, dueto itshigh cost. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of natural sorbent from agricultural waste in removing dye inwastewater. Two agricultural wastes are proposed to be the adsorbent which are oil palm leaves and corn husks. These adsorbents are easily available and not bulky to be handled. Furthermore, the recycling opportunities of this waste can be developed. Parameters such as adsorbent particle size, mass of adsorbent and initial dye concentration that will affect the dye removal via adsorption will be studied. The adsorbate used in this study is Methylene Blue. Different methods for different type of experiment are explained further in this report. From the study, it is found that smaller particle size, higher adsorbent mass and higher dye initial concentration will enhance the adsorption process. In conclusion, the proposed adsorbents which are the oil palm leaves and corn husk proven to have the potential in removing dye from wastewater. Recommendations of further work are also mention for continuity of this type of research