Methylene blue removal using Eucalyptus Leaves: A Low Cost Protocol towards Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of dyes pollutes water bodies and poses a serious threat to mankind. Hence there is a need to address the problem. Eucalyptus leaves, being abundantly available were tested for the removal of methylene blue dye from water by both batch and column experiments. The material was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, proximate analysis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. SEM Images show a fractured surface with heterogeneous morphology. Batch experiments were conducted with respect to various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, agitation speed, concentration, etc. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 66 mg/g. Over a pH range of 4-8, high adsorption was seen. Adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2=0.999). Regeneration was achieved with dilute hydrochloric acid and the material can be reused. Column studies show the possibility of field application. In a nutshell, a low-cost methodology was established with eucalyptus leaves for a safer environment.