Application of Durian Peel (Durio zibethinus Murray) for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

The sorption characteristics of durian (Durio zibethinus Murray) peel in the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions under batch and continuous flow conditions were studied. The limitation in batch studies can be overcome by carry out flow tests using columns to obtain design models that would be applicable to commercial systems. Two well-known isotherm models, Langmuir and Freundlich were chosen for the fitting of experimental data. The sorption process conformed to Langmuir isotherm with the maximum sorption capacity of 49 mg/g at 25 ºC. Mathematical models were employed to analyze and explain experimental data obtained. Increase in the column bed depth yielded longer service time while increase in influent concentration and flow rate resulted in faster breakthrough.