Synthesis, antibacterial activity and adsorption studies of Bentonite-iron nanoparticles in the removal of methyl blue dye

Green synthesis of bentonite-iron nanoparticles (Be-FeNPs) has been carried out using the leaf extract of Helicteres isora and its antibacterial and adsorption capacity for the removal of Methyl Blue (MB) dye have been also studied.T he prepared Be-FeNPs and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) are characterized by UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopic techniques and SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of Be-FeNPs show good zone of inhibition against E.coli and S.aureus. Further the prepared composite (Be-FeNPs) and bentonite are used as adsorbents for the removal of Methyl Blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution under various experiment parameters like initial concentration, contact time and pH. The optimum initial pH, adsorbent concentration and time were determined to be 8.1, 45°C, and 100 ppm, 80 min for MB adsorption on to Be-FeNPs. The experimental data for MB adsorption fits well to the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The kinetic equations like Natarajan-Khalaf, Bhattacharya-Venkobachar and Lagergren equations were found to be applicable. The surface morphology of the Be-FeNPs before and after adsorption of dye revealed that it can be used as an excellent adsorbent for dye removal from dilute industrial effluents.