Evaluation of Maize Tassel Powder Efficiency in Removal of Reactive Red 198 Dye from Synthetic Textile Wastewater

Introduction: Colored compounds which often are toxic and carcinogen is one of the environmental pollutants. These pollutants should be removed prior than discharge to the environment. The aim of this study was the evaluation of maize tassel powder efficiency for the removal of Reactive Red 198 dye from synthetic textile wastewater. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was performed in laboratory scale by using of batch reactors. In this study, the effect of adsorbent dose, contact time, initial dye concentration and pH had been evaluated. Maximum adsorption wavelength (λmax) and the concentration of dye were determined by UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The adsorbent was prepared in laboratory condition and pulverized by standard ASTM sieves with the range of 40-60 mesh. The data were analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Results: The result showed that increasing of adsorbent dose led to increasing of the adsorption efficiency but adsorption efficiency was decreased with an elevation of pH from 3 to 9 and increasing of dye concentration from 25 to 50 mg/l. With increasing reaction time, adsorption efficiency increased and the most adsorption occurred in first 30 min of reaction. Obtained data were in good concordance with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order equation. Conclusion: Maize tassel powder is a natural and cheap adsorbent that can be used for the removal of contaminants in the environment.