Removal of Metanil Yellow by Batch Biosorption from Aqueous Phase on Egg Membrane: Equilibrium and Isotherm Studies

The biosorption of metanil yellow on hen egg membrane from aqueous solution in a batch process was investigated at 29o C with a view to determine the potential of the membrane in removing metanil yellow from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, initial biosorbate concentration, biosorbent dosage and initial biosorbate pH were determined. Various isotherm models were used to analyze experimental data. The highest experimental equilibrium biosorption capacity obtained was 129.88 mg g^-1. The optimum pH was 3. Adsorption capacity increased with increase in initial solution concentration but decreased with increase in time. The isotherm models applied were good fits based on correlation coefficients. Flory-Huggins isotherm was the best fit (R^2 =0.986). The biosorption was endothermic, good, physisorptive and spontaneous. This work shows that hen egg membrane is a potential biosorbent for the removal of metanil yellow from aqueous solution.