Application of Magnetite Nanoparticle Modified Azolla as an Adsorbent for Removal of Brilliant Blue Dye

Nowadays, Azolla become a problem in aquatic habitats. Also, the existence of colors in the water and the effluent of industries cause water contamination. In this research, the application of surface modified Azolla with nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) as a natural sorbent has been studied in removal of brilliant blue dye. The size and structure of the nanoparticles were examined by SEM and FT-IR, and particle size was less than 40 nm. Dye removal parameters including solution pH, ionic strength, absorbent weight, stirring time and solution volume have been optimized. The kinetic of brilliant blue adsorption on surface modified Azolla by magnetic nanoparticles showed that it is followed pseudo-second-order kinetic which indicate the chemical absorption of the dye on magnetite nanoparticle. Based on adsorption isotherms the process is coherent with Freundlich model. By using Azolla powder surface modified with magnetite nanoparticles, color removal is done in a very short time with high efficiency, which has the advantage of the application of these particles in treatment of wastewaters containing colored compounds .