Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions onto unexpanded and expanded
perlite samples activated by H2SO4 and NaCl solutions has been investigated, to assess the possibility
of using perlite for removing cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH and
temperature of dye solution on the adsorption capacities have been evaluated. The experimental data
were correlated reasonably well by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the isotherm parameters
(Qm and K) have been calculated. The removal efficiency (P) and dimensionless separation factor
(R) have shown that perlite can be used for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions, but
unexpanded perlite is more effective.