Coagulation Potentials of Natural Polymers for Dye Degradation

Obiora-Okafo, Ifeoma
Ifeoma Obiora-Okafo (Ph.D), is a lecturer in Chemical Engineering Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. She has published numerous research works in reputable high impact factor journals and has contributed immensely to the growth of Science and Engineering in Nigeria. She specializes in Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy.

The applications of Vigna unguiculata coagulant (VUC), Telfairia occidentalis coagulant (TOC), Brachystegia eurycoma coagulant (BEC), Vigna subterranean coagulant (VSC) and Moringa oleifera coagulant (MOC) for Crystal Ponceau 6 dye (AR 44) degradation were investigated. Proximate analysis, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to investigate the coagulation potentials of the precursors. Jar test studied the effects of operational parameters including pH, coagulant dosage, dye concentration, settling time and temperature. Mass transfer mathematical modelling studied shows good predictions to the experimental results. The isotherms show adsorption as a monomolecular layer according to the mechanism of chemisorption. The fitting of pseudo-second order kinetic model validates the process as a second-order process. Response surface methodology, successfully evaluated the interactions of four influential parameters. The overlay contour plots show the suitability of using multiple response optimization tools. The coagulants studied were extremely effective in the dye removal from crystal ponceau 6 dye.