Dye removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption in fixed-bedcolumn using almond shell and apricot stone shell

In this study, fixed-bed column experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption potential of two agricultural wastes, Apricot Stone Shell and Almond Shell to remove Basic Blue 3 (BB3) from aqueous solution. In the experimental studies were examined the effects of experimental parameters such as bed height (1-2 cm), solution flow rate (5-10 mL/min) and initial dye concentration (10-30 mg/L). Different models such as Thomas model, Yoon-Nelson model and Adams-Bohart model were applied to the experimental adsorption data. The initial region of breakthrough curve was described by the Adams–Bohart model well at all experimental conditions studied while the full description of the breakthrough curve was described well by the Thomas model. Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model was used to investigate the effect of bed depth on breakthrough curves. In the adsorption of Basic Blue 3 by both the sorbents, the BDST model fitted well with the experimental data, and the high values of correlation coefficients (R2<0.9952 and R2<0.9745) obtained indicate the validity of the bed depth service time model for the present column system. The adsorption capacities for BB3 removal by Apricot Stone Shell and Almond Shell were found to be 17.07 and 24.07 mg/g, respectively. It was concluded that the Apricot Stone Shell and Almond Shell can be used in wastewater treatment.