SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM BROWN ALGAE FOR ENHANCED METHYL-ORANG DYE REDUCTION

Abstract This study explores the preparation, characterization, and adsorption capabilities of activated carbon derived from brown algae for water pollutant removal. The preparation involved chemical activation with phosphoric acid at 170°C for 2 hours, followed by physical activation at 600°C for 2 hours. Characterization revealed functional groups (e.g., OH, CH₂, carboxylic) aiding adsorption, with a density of 1.5 g/cm³ and low ash content indicating high purity. Adsorption capacities for iodine and methylene blue were 950 mg/g and 245 mg/g, respectively. The activated carbon efficiently adsorbed methyl orange, with optimal conditions of pH 3, 1 g adsorbent dosage, and 40-minute contact time, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 9.3 mg/g. Adsorption modeling with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms validated its suitability for water treatment. The study highlights the potential of renewable brown algae-derived activated carbon as an effective, sustainable solution for removing organic pollutants.