SEPARATION OF RHODAMINE B USING NANO-FILTRATION PROCESS

Abstract

With increasing industrialisation, dyes have become one of the most promising colourants used worldwide on a large scale. It has been estimated that around 12-15 % of these dyes are discharged as effluents into the water bodies. One of such dyes is Rhodamine B which is used widely in textile and food colouring. These dyes are harmful, toxic and carcinogenic in nature. They cause pollution of the water bodies, death of the aquatic organisms, reduce the light penetration into the water hence lesser under water photosynthesis and many more severe problems. Therefore, it becomes important to filter them before discharging. In the present investigation, nano-filtration of Rhodamine-B dye was done using membrane HF-150. Effect of different parameters on the rejection rate of the dye such as the amount of Rhodamine B, flow rate of the feed solution, pressure of the system was studied. Furthermore, volume and flux of the permeate solution was calculated and its relation with above mentioned parameters was also investigated. Dye removal efficiency of the membrane was measured in terms of rejection percentage. The rejection percentage was found to be around 90%. The findings of the work can be of promising application in dye removal and waste water purification.