Adsorption of reactive dye on chitosan in air-lift reactor

This study was undertaken to identify factors exerting the strongest influence on the adsorption of dye. The maximum adsorption capacity (at the adopted operating conditions) was the main parameter used to evaluate the process. In addition, the feasible adsorption capacity of chitosan was evaluated. Breakthrough experiments were carried out in a circulating air-lift reactor at a constant concentration of reactive dye Black 8 (100 mg/dm³). The tests studied different chitosan concentrations in the reactor and a range of flow intensities. The results of the breakthrough tests were compared by means of apparent mass transfer coefficients, determined by slopes at C/C ₀=1/2. The adsorption capacity of chitosan was affected to the greatest extent by the flow rate of the medium to the reactor. In turn, the utilization of the maximum adsorption capacity of chitosan, at the assumed efficiency of dye removal, was determined by chitosan concentration in the reactor.