Azo dye removal by adsorption using waste biomass: sugarcane bagasse

Abstract

Dyes are usually present in trace quantities in the treated effluents of many industries. The effectiveness of
\nadsorption for dye removal from wastewaters has made it an ideal alternative to other expensive treatment
\nmethods. This study investigates the potential use of sugarcane bagasse, pretreated with formaldehyde and
\nsulphuric acid, for the removal of methyl red, an azo dye from simulated wastewater. The effects of condition
\nsuch as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and contact time were studied. The results showed that
\nas the amount of the adsorbent was increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly. Higher
\nadsorption percentages were observed at lower concentrations of methyl red. Sulphuric acid treated sugarcane
\nbaggase showed a better performance compared to formaldehyde treated sugarcane baggase, thus making it an
\ninteresting option for dye removal from dilute industrial effluents.