Microwave enhanced-sorption of dyestuffs to dual-cation organobentonites from water.

The microwave enhanced-sorption of dyestuffs such as Neutral Red S-BR, Neutral Dark Yellow GL and Acid Blue B onto organobentonites from water was investigated. The decolorization rates of various dyestuffs by organobentonites were increased from 18.0% to 71.8%, the saturated sorption capacity of Neutral Red S-BR and Acid Blue B were increased 83.9% and 76.3% by microwave irradiation, respectively. The value of the microwave enhanced-sorption parameter R(m) increased in the following order: Neutral Red S-BR>Acid Blue B>Neutral Dark Yellow GL, which corresponded with their aqueous solubility. The zeta potentials of particles were decreased greatly by microwave, which is very significant for improving both sorption of dyestuffs to organobentonites from water and the separation of the adsorbents from treated water.