LAUSR

Abstract The present study narrates the eminent role of agricultural wastes as adsorbents viz., Indian almond shell carbon (IASC), ground nut shell carbon (GSC), areca nut shell carbon (ASC), tamarind shell carbon (TSC) and cashew nut shell carbon (CSC) for the removal of Azure A (AA) dye from waste water. Different experimental parameters such as effect of initial concentration, contact time, dose, pH and particle size have been studied. The experimental results were analysed using Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Redlich–Peterson and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Different kinetic equations (first order, pseudo first order and pseudo second order) were applied to study the adsorption kinetics of AA on various activated carbons. Surface morphology of the adsorbents before and after adsorption is studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FT-IR studies revealed the presence of functional groups of dye on the adsorbents. It is inferred from the experimental result that the activated carbons (IASC, GSC, ASC, TSC and CSC) from agricultural wastes can be applied as an adsorbent substitute to commercial activated carbon (CAC) in the removal of AA dye from waste water.