ADSORPTION OF CATION DYE USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GOLDEN SHOWERSEED POD ( C ASSIA FISTULA)

This study investigated the use of Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) as an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye in a batch system. The raw material was Carbonized at 600 ^oC for one hour to obtain a purely carbonized material; then impregnated with NaOH of 0.1M and allowed to stay for 24 hours to obtain the desired GS-AC activated carbon. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental composition analysis. The effects of adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were studied in a batch system. The results revealed that, there was good enhancements in pores of the adsorbent GS-AC due to the chemical impregnation. The FTIR spectra showed the presence C-H, NH ₂, C-O, and S=O functional groups indicating a favourable surface for adsorption. Batch studies indicated that, the methylene blue uptake decreased with increase in the GS-AC dosage. The amount of Methylene blue adsorbed onto GS-AC increased with time and subsequently remained constant at some point in time with maximum uptake at 500 mg/l. Thus, adsorption capacity of methylene blue increased with longer contact time, indicating a stronger interaction between the adsorbent and the dye. Based on the findings, Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) impregnated with NaOH can be used as an alternative and suitable material for cationic dye removal from liquid phase.