Adsorptive Potential of Orange Peel Biochar for Removal of Basic Red 46 Dye and Phytotoxicity Analysis

This study assessed the sorption ability of orange peel biochar (OPB) for the removal of Basic Red 46 (BR46) dye. Batch trials were conducted to examine the effects of pH, time, initial dye concentration, dosage, temperature, and particle size on BR46 removal from aqueous solution. Maximum removal by OPB of 94 % was observed at pH 9 and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg L-1. The surface morphology of OPB was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir model with maximum sorption capacity of 7.36 mg g(-1). Adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics revealed a pseudo-second-order mechanism, chemisorption, and an exothermic process. Phytotoxicity studies revealed that OPB-treated effluent can be used for irrigation. Thus, OPB could be a potential adsorbent for BR46 removal.