Biochar derived from Caulerpa scalpelliformis for the removal of Reactive Yellow 81 in batch and packed bed column

The present study investigated the potential of biochar synthesized from Caulerpa scalpelliofrmis, a marine seaweed in the decolorization of Reactive Yellow 81 (RY81). The decolorization study was conducted in batch experiments and also in a packed bed column for continuous study. Maximum uptake of 151.5 mg/g was reported in a batch study under optimum conditions. Biosorption isotherm studies were conducted to understand the biosorption mechanism. A correlation coefficient of 0.9998 was obtained for a four-parameter model Fritz-Schlunder – IV. The kinetic study concluded that pseudo-first-order kinetics predicted the experimental data with a correlation coefficient always greater than 0.984. Desorption studies were carried out to find the best elutant, solid to liquid ratio and regeneration cycles. The maximum uptake of 122.48 mg/g was reported in a column study at optimum conditions. Yoon Nelson model predicted the experimental uptake with a correlation coefficient always greater than 0.99 and the % error was always less than 0.11.