Comparison of nickel and methylene blue removal efficiency using mango seed kernel powder

Abstract

Biosorption has emerged as a new technology compared to conventional method like chemical precipitation for removal metal and dye from aqueous solution. In this present study, dried Mango Seed Kernel Powder (MSKP) was used as a biosorbent for Nickel (Ni) and Methylene Blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. The removal characteristics of Ni and MB by dried MSKP were evaluated as a function of contact time, pH and initial adsorbate concentration. The studied is to develop adsorption equilibrium for determine the adsorption capacity and analyze the suitability of the adsorption process. The percent Ni uptake was analyzed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), while MB uptake was analyzed with UV VIS spectrophotometer. At optimal conditions, Ni and MB uptake increased when contact time increased until reach the equilibrium. This research study was carried out at room temperature with the constant dosage of 0.5g MSKP. The maximum removal successfully obtained by MSKP at equilibrium time was just 20% for Ni from 45 up to 150 minutes and 90% for MB at 180 up to 300 minutes. Removal of Ni and MB using dried MSKP only dependent on the concentration and contact time. The pH analysis was done to determine the characteristic of ion of the substances. The adsorption equilibrium study analysis describe that the adsorption data were better represented by Langmuir model than Freundlich model. It also showed that the adsorption process was suitable and adsorption capacity for Ni was 23.31 mg/g, and for MB was 37.31mg/g. Result indicates that dried MSKP is more efficient for the removal of MB compare to Ni from aqueous solution.