Efficient Adsorption of Acid Black 52 from Aqueous Solution by Biochar Prepared from Deoiled Algae Biomass: Process Optimization

The attempt was made to prepare the novel biochar (BC) from deoiled Spirulina platensis algae biomass (DB) which was obtained after single stage oil extraction and transesterification. The adsorption capacity of biochar for acid black 52 dye (AO) removal from individual aqueous solution was investigated. The optimization of process parameters such as effect of initial concentration of AO dye, dosage of adsorbent and the pH of the given solution on the dye adsorption was also examined. The results from the experiments were further compared with those obtained with commercially available activated carbon (AC). The results showed that with the rise in initial concentration of dye from 30 mg/l till 90 mg/l, there was rise in the percentage removal of dye from 86.67% to 89.84%. The percentage dye removal to some extent got improved from 86.60% to 87.80% using biochar while increasing the dosage of adsorbent from 0.2 to 1 g/100 ml. The removal of dye declined from 88.44% to 85.80% using BC while increasing pH from 2 to 10. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that biochar is a potential adsorbent for dye removal, thus supporting the sustainability of biodiesel from algae.