Optimizing chitosan-based adsorbents for the removal of trisodium ferric complex of N-methyl-1,8-naphtalimide-4-sulfonate
摘要
This study investigated the adsorption of textile dyes (specifically the trisodium ferric complex of N-methyl-1,8-naphtalimide-4-sulfonate) from contaminated wastewater, focusing on a comparative analysis of industrial chitosan and iron-chitosan as adsorbent materials. Several physico-chemical analyses such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and pH zero point charge were performed to characterize the adsorbent. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that iron modification significantly enhanced chitosan's adsorption capacity (96% of elimination), with equilibrium being achieved within 120 min for both adsorbents. Adsorption isotherm data were best described by the Freundlich model, indicating a heterogeneous adsorption process. The initial solution pH profoundly influenced dye removal; industrial chitosan exhibited optimal adsorption under basic conditions, while iron-chitosan performed best in acidic environments. Furthermore, a medium agitation speed was identified as optimal, facilitating both faster adsorption rates and higher retention capacities for both adsorbents compared to static or high agitation conditions. These findings highlight the potential of both chitosan forms, particularly the iron-modified variant, for efficient textile dye removal in wastewater treatment applications.