Abstract:
Dye pollution from industrial wastewater process a significant environmental challenge due to its
toxicity and persistence in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the adsorption of
methylene Blue (MB) from aqueous solutions using chitosan-modified biochar derived from
palm tree biomass as a low-cost and sustainable adsorbent. The primary objective was to
evaluate the adsorption efficiency under various conditions, including pH, contact time, initial
dye concentration, and temperature. The biochar was prepared through chemical activation,
followed by chitosan modification, and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to
determine its structural and chemical properties. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that the
optimal adsorption occurred at pH 8, with an equilibrium contact time of 60 minutes and a
maximum adsorption capacity of 93 mg/g. Adsorption isotherms were best described by the
Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption, while kinetic studies followed the pseudo
second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. The results
demonstrate that chitosan-modified biochar is an effective and eco-friendly adsorbent for dye
removal, offering a promising alternative to conventional methods. The study recommends
further exploration of its reusability and application in large-scale wastewater treatment systems.
