Removal of BTEX from aqueous solution using Moringa oleifera seed cake

In this study, the removal of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene and o-xylene) from aqueous solution using Moringa oleifera seed cake (MOSC) was investigated. The effect of parameters such as contact time, pH and initial BTEX concentration were studied to optimize the conditions for maximum removal. Maximum removal values of 75 +/- 1%, 85 +/- 2%, 86 +/- 2%, 88 +/- 2% and 87 +/- 1% were obtained for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene and o-xylene, respectively, at pH 7.0, with a 20 min contact time for an adsorbent dose of 10 g L-1 of 1 mg L-1 BTEX concentration. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The capacity of MOSC to adsorb BTEX was compared with that for a commercial activated carbon. The results from the two methods were not significantly different (judged by t-test at 95% confident interval). A low cost, easy purchase and the satisfactory experimental results indicated that MOSC is a promising natural material for the removal of BTEX from aqueous solution.