Preparation and Characterisation of Novel Biodegradable Material Based on Chitosan and Poly(Itaconic Acid) as Adsorbent for Removal of Reactive Orange 16 Dye from Wastewater

Environmental protection has been a topic of great interest in recent years. Discharging azo dyes in aquatic systems contaminates water and causes serious ecological problems. Azo dyes are bio-accumulative, and, due to allergenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, are a grave threat to people and the environment. Because of economic feasibility, simplicity and a high efficiency, adsorption is the most suitable process for treatment of wastewater. The increasingly interesting bio-degradable adsorbents are those that stem from ecologically and economically sustainable sources. The aim of the study is preparation and characterisation of polymer complexes based on naturally occurring polysaccharide-chitosan and poly( itaconic acid), as an adsorbent for removal of Reactive Orange 16 dye from wastewater. The complexes are characterised by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. The effect of initial dye concentration, temperature and pH value of the solution on the adsorption capacities is investigated. Comparison of the obtained results with reported data shows the studied complex being an efficiently replacement for conventional adsorbents removing Reactive Orange 16 from wastewater.