Studies on the Removal of Acid Violet 49 Dye by Activated Carbon Obtained from Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica)

Activated carbon was prepared from Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves by H3PO4 impregnation method. The adsorption property of neem activated carbon was evaluated by treating the dilute solutions of acid violet 49 of different concentrations. The batch mode adsorption studies of neem activated carbon (NAC₂) on acid violet 49 indicated that NAC₂ could be effectively and conveniently used as a low cost adsorbent. The amount of dye adsorbed, qt (mg/g) per unit mass of adsorbent was found to increase from 47.92 to 171.64 mg/g with an increase in the initial dye concentration from 25 to 100 mg/L. Further, this treatment method makes it possible to recycle the maximum possible amount of spent adsorbent for further use.