Preparation and characterization of chitosan - pullulan hydrogel and its application for adsorption of erichrome black T from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT: In this study, a superabsorbent hydrogel was synthesized by crosslinking chitosan and pullulan by glutaraldehyde. The Chitosan/Pullulan Hydrogel (CPH) as an adsorbent was then successfully used for adsorption of Erichrome Black T (EBT) dye from aqueous medium. The adsorbent capacity was investigated at different operational conditions such as initial concentration of dye, adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature, presence of salt and contact time. The equilibrium data was observed to follow the Langmuir model and was observed that EBT sorption process favored the pseudo-second order kinetics. FT-IR characterization was used to demonstrate presence of the various functional groups; -NH2, -CONH2, -CO and -OH on the adsorbent. From the data obtained from the experimental measurements, conclusion were drawn based on the eco-friendly and economical nature of the adsorbent material and thus may be a reliable material for treatment of contaminants from aqueous solutions. Key words: Superabsorbent, Chitosan-Pullulan Hydrogel, EBT, Eco-friendly. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………