Removal of Dye in Wastewater via Adsorption Using Agricultural Waste (Natural Sorbent)

Dye isa coloring agent that iswidely used by some ofthe industries. The color removal from
the effluent waterhas beenone of the concerns during the wastewater treatment process. This
is to overcome any adverse effect caused from the releasing of the dye to the inland waters.
Various separation techniques have been proposed to remove the dye and it is revealed that
adsorption is one of the most effective techniques. Anyway, researches have been made to
identify potential adsorbent that is low in cost to be the adsorbent for the separation process
undertaken. This is done in orderto replace the activated carbon used as the adsorbent, dueto
itshigh cost. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of natural sorbent from
agricultural waste in removing dye inwastewater. Two agricultural wastes are proposed to be
the adsorbent which are oil palm leaves and corn husks. These adsorbents are easily available
and not bulky to be handled. Furthermore, the recycling opportunities of this waste can be
developed. Parameters such as adsorbent particle size, mass of adsorbent and initial dye
concentration that will affect the dye removal via adsorption will be studied. The adsorbate
used in this study is Methylene Blue. Different methods for different type of experiment are
explained further in this report. From the study, it is found that smaller particle size, higher
adsorbent mass and higher dye initial concentration will enhance the adsorption process. In
conclusion, the proposed adsorbents which are the oil palm leaves and corn husk proven to
have the potential in removing dye from wastewater. Recommendations of further work are
also mention for continuity of this type of research.