Indonesian Journal of Chemistry
Vol 26, No 1 (2026)

Removal of Phenolphthalein from Laboratory Wastewater Using Natural Clay and Activated Carbon

Guemache, Abderezak (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Dyes from laboratory wastewater are considered a potential source of water contamination. In this study, natural clay and activated carbon were used to remove a colored indicator (phenolphthalein). Both adsorbents were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the colored indicator was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer. The effects of various parameters, such as initial phenolphthalein concentration, contact time, temperature, pH, and decolorization, were studied. Dye removal increased with decreasing initial phenolphthalein concentration and solution contact time. The percentage of phenolphthalein removal increased accordingly, reaching 99% for activated carbon and 98% for natural clay. Langmuir and the Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium. The data very well fitted with these models. The monolayer adsorption capacities were equal to 31 mg g−1 at pH 8.0 and temperature 27 °C. The adsorption measurements show that the adsorption process is rapid and physical in nature. The results explain that the adsorption process isexothermic and spontaneous physisorption.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijc

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry

Description

Indonesian Journal of Chemistry is an International, peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes original research articles, review articles, as well as short communication in all areas of chemistry including applied chemistry. The journal is accredited by The Ministry of Research, Technology ...