Enhanced removal efficiency of acid red 18 from aqueous solution using wheat bran modified by multiple quaternary ammonium salts

•Multiple quaternary ammonium salts-modified wheat bran for removing anionic dyes.•The equilibrium and kinetic adsorption mechanism were investigated.•The effects of molecular structures of surfactants on the removal efficiency.•The dynamic adsorption studies using the packing column of wheat bran.•Potential as biomass adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater.