Statistical Analysis of Phenol Removal Using Modified Iraqi Bentonite from Wastewater by Adsorption Process

Abstract

Bentonite from Iraq was the clay of choice for this study (Calcium base). The “State Company of Geological Survey and Mining” provided this rock, which was altered using Activation by Heat and Acid. Heat activation involved calcination at 400 Celsius, whereas chemical Activation involved H2SO4. Analysis utilizing XRD, BET, and FTIR on bentonite before and after Activation. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm were analyzed to assess whether modified bentonite could act as an adsorbent to eliminate phenol from water. The study found that after being activated, bentonite’s surface area increased from 63.32 to 78.65 m2/g. The extraction of phenol from synthetic wastewater using activated bentonite was tested in a batch experiment. The effects of pH, concentration, and temperature on removal have been studied. According to the findings, pH of 3 is optimal for phenol removal, with an optimal elimination rate of 88% at 50 ppm, 55 0C temperature, and 1 gram of bentonite. The isotherm study indicates the Freundlich model has the most accurate model, with an accuracy of 97%. The experimental RSM was used to develop a statistical model with a remarkable 90% accuracy.