Boron removal from aqueous solution by batch adsorption using Box–Behnken design

Abstract

In the present study, boron sorption removal from aqueous solution by batch experiments was performed and the practicability of granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) for boron removal was studied. Box–Behnken experimental design method (BBD) was applied to the data for determination of the effects of important operating parameters such as initial boron concentration, pH, and dose of GFH on boron sorption efficiency. The obtained results from the present study suggested that BBD was an efficient and applicable method to obtain optimum conditions for boron removal from aqueous solution using GFH. The adsorption kinetic studies indicated that equilibrium was obtained as 20 h and about 96% boron removal efficiency was achieved in that time. The sorption process was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Freundlich isotherm represented a great fit to the data and was applicable model for the present study. Optimum pH and amount of GFH were calculated as 10 and 90 g L−1 for maximum boron sorption efficiency. The results of the present study showed that GFH can be efficiently applied for boron removal from drinking water.