Adsorption Isotherm and Kinetic Study on the Removal of Cresol Red Dye using Indigenously Prepared Activated Carbons from Artocarpus hirsutus and Annona muricata Fruit Peel

Objectives: This study investigates the use of carbonized Artocarpus hirsutus and Annona muricata fruit peel biomass (AHPC and AMPC), as an eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbents for Cresol Red (CR) dye removal, with a focus on environmental sustainability. Methods: The biomass derived carbons are prepared by pyrolysis followed by thermal activation method. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as function of initial concentration, agitation contact time and pH and dye solution using AHPC, AMPC and CAC (Commercial Activated carbon). Findings: FTIR studies confirmed the adsorption of CR over carbons. The percentage removal of CR dye decreases with increase in initial concentration and pH and increases with increase in agitation time. The equilibrium adsorption data of CR dye on AHPC, AMPC and CAC were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results indicate that the Freundlich model provides the best correlation of the experimental data. Based on Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity for removing of CR dye was 263.0, 128.54 and 123.07mg/L for CAC, AHPC and AMPC and the order of adsorption capacity is CAC>AHPC>AMPC. The results showed that the experimental data were well-fitted with a pseudo-second-order model. Novelty: Valorization of waste fruit pees biomass is a cost effective alternate to commercially available activated carbon. This study presents a roadmap for conversion of fruit peel biomass waste into highly efficient porous carbon adsorbents. Keywords: Waste Biomass, Cresol red dye, Activated carbon, Adsorption, Water treatment