Experimental study of methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solutions onto natural Algerian goethite

Abstract

The objective of this work is to study and model the methylene blue (MB) sorption, from aqueous solutions by goethite. The equilibrium time was reached during 10 min of agitation with 26.21 ℅ efficiency. MB removal efficiency is improved with an increased absorbent dose (0.5–08 g/l) for an initial 10 mg/l concentration. Treatment efficiency decreases with the increase of initial MB concentration (2–100 mg/l). The best adsorption yields were obtained in basic media. MB sorption kinetics via goethite leads to several results as to mechanisms that govern kinetics and isotherms equilibrium: Blanchard's model provides a better fit of the experimental results compared to Lagergren's model. Thus, the MB sorption kinetics is described by the pseudo-second order. Particle diffusion is involved in the MB removal mechanism, but it is not the only limiting step and the Boyd model application confirms that diffusion in the pores is the limiting step of the MB sorption process. The Elovich model is well verified and translated probably the existence of chemical-type interactions between MB and goethite. The study of MB adsorption isotherms showed that Freundlich, Temkin, and Elovich models are the best adapted than the Langmuir model. Finally, we can assess that goethite can be an interesting natural adsorbent for MB elimination from polluted waters in basic environments.