Evaluation of Interaction of Carbonization Temperatures and Concentrations on the Adsorption Capacities and Removal Efficiencies of Activated Carbons Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate the interactions of carbonization temperatures of adsorbents and concentrations of adsorbates on the adsorption capacities and removal efficiencies of activated carbons obtained from flamboyant ( Delonix regia ) pod bark (FB), milk bush ( Thevetia peruviana ) kernel shell (MB) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) husks (RH). The activated carbons produced at various temperatures (300-600 ?C) were used to adsorb concentrations (50-150 mg/L) of naphthalene and acenaphthene in a batch process at 150 rpm. The amount adsorbed was quantified with gas chromatography (GC-FID). Two factors interaction (2FI) model Y = a 0 + a 1 A + a 2 B + a 12 AB, showed that the interactions between increasing activation temperature of the adsorbents and increasing concentrations of the adsorbates increased the adsorption capacity of the MB while the adsorption capacities of FB and RH were reduced. The order of suitability of the adsorbents is MB > RH > FB and MB > FB > RH, respectively