Adsorption study of Reactive red 33 from Aqueous solution by Light Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA)

In present study, Light Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) was used as a low cost and green adsorbent to remove reactive red 33 dye from aqueous solution in batch system. Various operational parameters such as initial dye concentration and adsorbent size have been investigated to find optimum operational conditions and the adsorption capacity. Results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 0.624 mg/g at the optimum operational conditions initial dye concentration of 100ppm, and average size of 4-10 mm for the contact time 210 min as the obtained equilibrium time. FESEM, XRF, BET, and zeta potential analysis was done to determine the characterization of LECA structure. Meanwhile, chemical regeneration of LECA have been studied and results showed three times acceptable regeneration of LECA in our study. The results confirmed LECA capability in removal of Reactive red 33 dye.