Abstract

• In the present study, activated durian (Durio zibethinus L.) peel was used as a waste sorbent for the colour removal of direct blue dye (Direct Sky Blue FB 100 %, pH = 8.4) from aqueous solution. This research work concerns with the preparation of acid activated durian peel samples (ADP-1 to ADP-5) by using various amounts (1 to 5 % v/v) of hydrochloric acid. According to the results of some physicochemical properties (bulk density and specific surface area), ADP-4 was chosen for removal of direct blue dye. The sorption capacity of ADP-4 was determined as a function of initial concentration, pH, contact time and dosage of sorbent. The maximum removal percent of direct blue dye was found to be 84.308 % at 150 ppm of initial concentration, pH 8, 90 min of contact time and 0.2 g of dosage. This sample was characterized by using FT IR and SEM analyses before and after sorption. The equilibrium data were applied on isotherm models. According to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, the monolayer coverage value (Qo) was found to be 29.499 mg g-1 and the adsorption capacity (Kf) was found to be 4.191 mg g-1 . The experimental sorption data were fitted both isotherm models and sorption conditions were favourable. ADP-4 is a good sorbent for direct blue dye (Direct Sky Blue FB 100 %) from aqueous solution.