Statistical optimization of adsorption processes for the removal of Phenol by activated carbon derived from Baobab fruit shell

• Main Authors: Nedjai, Radhia, Kabbashi, Nassereldeen Ahmed, Alam, Md. Zahangir, Al-Khatib, Ma'an Fahmi Rashid
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English
• Published: IOP Publishing 2021
• Subjects: TD169 Environmental protection; TD172 Environmental pollution
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/94764/1/94764_Statistical%20optimization%20of%20adsorption%20processes.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/94764/; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/1192/1/012003

Baobab fruit shell (BFS) biomass was used as an alternative precursor for producing high surface area and microporous baobab fruit shell activated carbon (BFS-AC) by chemical activation using KOH. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed for the characterization of baobab fruit shell activated carbon. The adsorption property of BFS-AC for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution was evaluated. The effect of key adsorption parameters such as the contact time (10-20 min), BFS-AC dose (2.5-3.5 g/L), pH (1-3), and agitation speed (150-250 rpm) were optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM) with faced centered central composite design (FCCCD). Consequently, a maximum adsorption capacity (196.86 mg/g) was achieved at 15 min of contact time, 2 of pH, 3 g/L of adsorbent dosage, and 250 rpm of agitation speed. The results reveal that BFS-AC has an efficient performance for the removal of phenol from aqueous media.