Effect of acid pretreatment on the adsorption of phenol red by cellulose isolated from sandbox (Hura crepitans L.): Kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics

Muibat O. Alabi-Abass, Chemical Sciences Department, Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, 120107, Ogun State, Nigeria.Follow
Najeem A. Adesola Babarinde, Chemical Sciences Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.Follow
Adeola A. Ibikunle, Chemical Sciences Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, NigeriaFollow
Nurudeen O. Sanyaolu, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Medicine and Medical Science, Abeokuta, P.M. B. 2009, Sapon, Ogun State, Nigeria.Follow

Section

Physical Sciences

Abstract

The removal of synthetic dyes from wastewater remains an urgent environmental concern due to their persistence and toxicity. This study evaluates cellulose from Hura crepitans (HC) and its acid-modified form (AHC) for the adsorption of phenol red (PR) dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were characterized using FTIR to identify functional groups responsible for dye binding, XRD to determine the crystalline structure, SEM to examine surface morphology, and BET/BJH analyses to measure surface area and pore distribution. Acid modification enhanced surface roughness, porosity, and the abundance of active functional sites, leading to improved adsorption efficiency. Optimal conditions were pH 9.0 for HC and pH 6.0 for AHC with dosages of 0.45 g and 0.10 g, respectively, achieving removal efficiencies of 85.5% and 84.9% at 25 °C within 120 min. Kinetic data followed a Pseudo-Second-order model, while the Langmuir isotherm best described equilibrium adsorption, yielding qmax values of 6.536 and 19.231 mg g⁻¹ for HC and AHC. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed endothermic adsorption (ΔG° = 5.611 and 0.894 kJ mol⁻¹). Both adsorbents retained above 70% (HC) and 80% (AHC) efficiency after three cycles, demonstrating reusability and establishing AHC as a promising, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbent for dye-laden wastewater treatment.

Recommended Citation

Alabi-Abass, Muibat O.; Adesola Babarinde, Najeem A.; Ibikunle, Adeola A.; and Sanyaolu, Nurudeen O. (2026) "Effect of acid pretreatment on the adsorption of phenol red by cellulose isolated from sandbox (Hura crepitans L.): Kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics," Tanzania Journal of Science: Vol. 52: Iss. 3, Article 21.
Available at:https://doi.org/10.65085/2507-7961.2377