Adsorptive Removal of Disperse Red 343 from Aqueous Solution by Coconut Coir Activated Carbon

Activated carbon was prepared from coconut coir and adsorption of textile dye Disperse Red 343 by the activated carbon was examined. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of dye adsorption was dependent on dye concentration, contact time and pH. Equilibrium adsorption was attained in 1 h and maximum adsorption occurred at pH 2. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for the
dye was evaluated by batch equilibrium test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. The adsorption data at optimum pH 2 for the coconut coir activated carbon and for the commercial activated carbon is well described by Freundlich isotherm model. Freundlich constants Kf and 1/n for coconut coir activated carbon were 3.6 and 1, and for the commercial activated carbon 2.9 and 1.7, respectively. The results indicate that activated carbon prepared from coconut coir is more efficient than commercial activated carbon for the removal of Disperse Red
343. Coconut coir activated carbon is a suitable substitute for commercial activated carbon in the removal of disperse dyes from aqueous solution.