Dynamic Modeling of Fixed-bed Column Adsorption of Methylene Blue onto Modified Kono-Bowe (Nigerian) Clay

Dynamic modeling of fixed-bed column adsorption of methylene blue onto modified Kono-bowe clay was studied. The modified clay sorbent was characterized. The effect of initial concentration, flow rate and bed height on the adsorption process was investigated. Three kinetic models, Thomas, Adams-Bohart, and Yoon-Nelson, were applied to the experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves. Also, the bed depth service time (BDST) model was employed to predict the time needed for breakthrough at other process conditions. Results of the adsorbent characterization show that the modification process altered the structure of the natural clay. Experimental data confirmed that the breakthrough curves were dependent on the initial concentration, flow rate and bed height. The Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models fitted very well to the experimental data. The experimental data were in good agreement with the BDST model. This study showed that modified Kono-bowe clay column can be used to treat wastewater.