Title: Novel low-cost biosorbent for phenol adsorption and its optimisation through response surface method

Authors: Naeem Abbas; Ghazala Majeed; Naila Ali; Farah Deeba; Fouzia Majeed; Javeed Iqbal; Zaib Un Nisa

Addresses: Center for Environment Protection Studies, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lahore, Pakistan ' Department of Botany, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan ' Department of Botany, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan ' Centre for Environment Protection Studies, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lahore, Pakistan ' Department of Chemistry, Lahore Garrison University, Pakistan ' Centre for Environment Protection Studies, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lahore, Pakistan ' Department of Botany, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract: In the current study, tangerine peel activated carbon (TPAC) was utilised as an adsorbent for the removal of phenol from synthetic solution. To increase the removal efficiency of phenol, TPAC were chemically modified. FTIR, SEM, particle density, porosity, proximate analysis and loss of ignition were performed for characterisation of the adsorbent. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimise the effect of pH, concentration, contact time and dosage removal of phenol. Results showed that TPAC removed up to 91% phenol at pH 8.5, contact time of 1h and dosage 0.48 g. The percentage removal of phenol increased by increasing phenol concentration, pH, contact time and dose up to an optimum level further increase resulted in decreased of percentage removal. The current study concluded that TPAC is a good adsorbent and its chemical activation improved adsorption efficiency of phenol effectively.

Keywords: adsorbent; tangerine peels; activated carbon; phenol removal; chemical activation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2024.141634

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2024 Vol.35 No.2, pp.131 - 150

Received: 23 Sep 2021
Accepted: 12 Apr 2022
Published online: 27 Sep 2024 *

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