Optimization of Swiss blue dye removal by cotton boll activated carbon: response surface methodological approach

Cotton boll activated carbon (CBAC) was employed for Swiss blue (SB) decolorization from simulated wastewater. Adsorption data conformed better with Langmuir adsorption isotherm with highest adsorption capability of 52.631 mg g(-1). Swiss blue adsorption onto CBAC was thermodynamically spontaneous and can be ascribed to follow the pseudo second order (PSO) kinetic model. An experimental matrix based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design the batch experiments for investigating the adsorption of SB onto CBAC considering four operating factors, viz. initial pH (2-12), contact time (15-150 min), SB concentration (125-375 mg L-1) and CBAC dose (0.2-1 g/100 mL). RSM-BBD worked successfully to model the process, optimize the factors, and predict SB removal.

Automated summary

The study successfully utilized Cotton boll activated carbon (CBAC) for Swiss blue (SB) decolorization from simulated wastewater. The adsorption process followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm with highest adsorption capability of 52.631 mg g(-1) and pseudo second order (PSO) kinetic model. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) was effective in modeling and optimizing the factors for SB removal.