Removal of Methyl Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Magnetic Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seed

Aims: In this study, biochar and magnetic biochar were obtained from loquat seeds. The obtained biochars were used to remove methyl blue from the aqueous solution.

Study Design: The effects of adsorbent substance dosage, pH, initial methyl blue concentration, time and temperature on the adsorption process were investigated.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Applied and Natural Sciences, Süleyman Demirel University, between February 2022 and February 2023.

Methodology: In this study, batch adsorption method, which is an easily applicable and common method, was used to remove dye from aqueous media. Modified loquat seeds were characterized by FTIR, BET analysis. The adsorption process was investigated in terms of kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.

Results: The maximum adsorption capacity was 31.746 mg/g for biochar and 67.568 mg/g for magnetic biochar. According to the kinetic data, the adsorption rate is pseudo-second-order. According to the thermodynamic data, negative ΔG values indicated that adsorption of methyl blue occurred spontaneously. According to negative ΔH values, the adsorption process was exothermic. When the adsorption isotherms were examined, it was seen that loquat biochar and modified loquat biochar were suitable for the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Conclusion: Modified loquat seeds can be used to remove methyl blue dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents used can be modified with different chemicals to increase the adsorption capacity and contribute to the literature.