The evaluation of low-cost biosorbents for removal of an azo dye from aqueous solution

There is a need to develop innovative and alternative technologies that can remove dyes from wastewater. In this study, low-cost and locally available two renewable biosorbents (cotton stalk and apricot seed) were investigated to remove of Astrazone Black from aqueous solution. The effects of various experimental parameters such as dye concentration, adsorbent amount, adsorbent particle size and initial pH were tested, and optimal experimental conditions were examined. The results showed that as the amount of adsorbent was increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly. The ratios of dye sorbed increased as the adsorbent particle size decreased. In addition, antibacterial effect of untreated and treated (decolourized) dye on a soil bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was determined. The removal of this dye with agricultural wastes reduced the toxic effect on P.?aeruginosa. This reduction in toxic effect is important both in respect of environmental biotechnology and waste detoxification.