The conversion or recycling of waste materials into usable products is a sustainable and ecologically benign strategy, aligning with sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study presents a straightforward and cost-effective method for transforming walnut shells, commonly found in agricultural waste, into a biosorbent material highly effective in eliminating hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water. The prepared material underwent several analyses to determine its physical characteristics and surface chemistry, revealing an amorphous structure similar to lignocellulosic materials. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM-BBD), we accurately forecasted and optimized the Cr(VI) adsorption process, evaluating and enhancing factors such as pH, biosorbent dosage, pollutant concentration, and adsorption time. Significant enhancement in the removal percentage (%R) was achieved, reaching 100 % after optimization. The RSM-BBD model provided high-quality prediction for data fitting (R² = 0.999). Various kinetic models, including PFO, PSO, and IPD models, were employed, with the PSO model providing the best depiction of adsorption. Equilibrium data analysis using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Temkin models revealed that the Freundlich model and R-P better fit the adsorption isotherm of Cr(VI) on treated walnut shell (WST). Furthermore, examination of Gibbs free energy and enthalpy indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto walnut shells is a spontaneous and exothermic reaction, resulting in the release of thermal energy.
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