Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions using an iron-rich soil

Abstract

ABSTRACT – Organic dyes from industry wastewater pollute water tables. Here proposed environmental solution relies on pristine red soil for oxidative degradation of methylene blue dye. Soil analysis comprised spectroscopic (FTIR and Raman) and microscopic (SEM/EDS) techniques, while spectrophotometry was applied for dye quantification. The dominant soil mineral is kaolinite, while Fe homogeneous distribution is witnessed in the γ-FeO(OH) form. Soil/Fenton reagent achieved substantial 93% dye removal. An optimal oxidant concentration in the Fenton system is 10 mM. We confirm the excellent performance of pristine red soil samples as naturally occurring adsorbents and catalysts in Fenton oxidation of environmental pollutants.