Potential Sorbent Research Articles

A three‐dimensional carbon nanotube–nanofiber composite foam for selective adsorption of oils and organic liquids

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted tremendous research interest area as promising sorbent material due to the large surface area for adsorption, excellent mechanical and chemical properties. To practically employ CNTs as a potential commercial sorbent, it is essential to form loosely packed architecture of CNTs in 3D space. In recent years, a series of CNTs‐based composites have been fabricated. However, these composites showed a highly compact structure and/or junctions with uneven/excessive CNTs deposition, which significantly limit their performance as sorbents. Herein, we report the direct fabrication of three‐dimensional flower‐like CNTs‐nanofibers foams (3D CNTs‐NFs) by freeze‐drying aqueous solutions of electrospun poly‐acetonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and CNTs. As a result, fully expanded multiple layered CNTs nanosheets with sufficient large surface area could be successfully integrated within the 3D nano‐fibrous architecture. The 3D CNFs‐NFs showed excellent mechanical properties and adsorption capacities, which permit this kind of CNTs composite foam could be used in selective adsorption processes and environmental applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E271–E277, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Adsorption of radioactive iodine and krypton from off-gas stream using continuous flow adsorption column

A novel Engelhard Titanosilicate – 10 (ETS-10) supported 10wt% hollow carbon nano-polyhedron (10wt% C@ETS-10) sorbent developed in our laboratory was investigated for adsorption of the radioactive iodine and krypton from off-gas stream using a continuous flow adsorption column. Adsorption experiments were performed to determine the capacity of 10wt% C@ETS-10 sorbent for iodine and krypton in multicomponent mixture system by varying operating parameters, such as inlet concentration of iodine (I2) and krypton (Kr), and adsorption column temperature. Pristine and used sorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy to identify the morphology, elemental and vibration analysis of the sorbent before and after the experiments. EDS and XPS spectra of the used samples clearly indicate the presence of iodine on the sorbent. Multicomponent sorption capacities of I2 and Kr of 10wt% C@ETS-10 sorbent calculated from the breakthrough curves at 20°C at 25ppm I2 and 70ppm Kr balanced with nitrogen were found to be 41.5 and 0.0323mgg−1, respectively. Sorption data was found to be best fitted by the Langmuir as well as Freundlich isotherm model. Experimental data were analyzed by Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Bohart-Adams sorption kinetics models to predict the breakthrough curves and calculate the characteristic parameters of the column that are useful for process design for the multicomponent system. Results show that 10wt% C@ETS-10 sorbent has potential sorbent for adsorption of multicomponent (I2 and Kr) from off-gas stream.

Evaluation of Rice Husk for SPE of Fluoroquinolones from Environmental Waters Followed by UHPLC-HESI-MS/MS

Untreated rice husk (RH) was evaluated as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent for Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs). This natural material, made of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and silica, and containing various functional groups, i.e., carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amidogen residues, is a potential sorbent material for polar aromatics like FQs. First, the RH capability to adsorb FQ species from water was studied by batch sorption experiments in tap and river waters, and the experimental data, fitted by the Langmuir model, gave adsorption capacities up to 32 mg g−1. Then, RH was tested as column-packed sorbent for pre-concentration of tap and not tampered river waters spiked with six widely employed FQs, i.e., Ciprofloxacin, Danofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Marbofloxacin, and Norfloxacin. The analytes were quantitatively adsorbed on the RH cartridge at the native pH, simultaneously eluted by NH3–MeOH mixture, separated in an 8 min ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography run and quantified/confirmed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric detection in single reaction monitoring mode. Recoveries in the range 71–120% were observed (RSD < 15%, n = 3) for 75–1000 ng L−1 spikes. Method detection limits were in the range 25–33 ng L−1. The batch-to-batch reproducibility was assessed, and the analytical procedure was applied to the determination of FQs in actual environmental waters.

Use of PVA/α-MnO2-stearic acid nanocomposite films prepared by sonochemical method as a potential sorbent for adsorption of Cd (II) ion from aqueous solution

Alpha manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanorods have been covalently functionalized with stearic acid by solvothermal method. The α-MnO2-stearic acid nanorods were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The amount of stearic acid grafted onto α-MnO2 surface was determined about 41wt% by thermogravimetric analysis. The α-MnO2-stearic acid nanorods was used as nanofiller for the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites (NCs). The NCs with 1, 3, and 5wt% of nanofiller were prepared through ultrasound assisted technique as an economical, fast, eco-friendly, and effective method. The PVA/α-MnO2-stearic acid NCs were characterized by different techniques. The results showed that with increasing the α-MnO2-stearic acid content, the thermal stability and tensile properties were improved. Besides, the NC 5wt% was used as adsorbent for sorption of Cd (II) ion. The adsorption efficiency of NC 5wt% in different initial concentrations of Cd (II) ion (20–100mgL−1) was 58–95%. All the isotherm data were well fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The adsorption kinetics study demonstrated that pseudo-second-order model was the best fit with the experimental data. The results indicated that prepared NCs are promising adsorbents for the removal of Cd (II) ion from the aqueous solution.

Selective magnetic GMA based potential sorbents for molybdenum and rhenium sorption

Abstract Magnetic macroporous crosslinked copolymer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) samples with different magnetite content were prepared by suspension copolymerization and functionalized with diethylene triamine. Samples were characterized by elemental analysis, mercury porosimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, SQUID magnetometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The selected amino-functionalized sample was tested as a potential sorbent for the Mo(VI) and Re(VII) oxyanions from aqueous solutions. The influence of pH, ionic strength and possible interfering of cations and anions was investigated. Equilibrium data were analyzed with Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin adsorption isotherm models. Sorption studies were carried out in a batch competitive experiments, in the pH range 1–8, at 298 K. Obtained results indicate that 92% of Re(VII) and 98% of Mo(VI) were sorbed at pH 2.

Recovery of palladium from secondary waste using soluble tannins cross-linkedLagerstroemia speciosaleaves powder

BACKGROUND Naturally available biomass can be explored as a potential sorbent for recovery of precious metals. This work evaluates the sorption potential of a biosorbent developed by host soluble tannins cross-linked Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves powder (TLS) for Pd recovery from secondary waste. RESULTS Batch experiments suggest 95% Pd(II) sorption by TLS is achieved over a pH range of 1–6 with a maximum of 99% at pH 2. The experimental data for Pd(II) sorption onto TLS is well explained by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model with a monolayer sorption capacity of 46.3 mg g−1. Thermodynamic variables indicate that Pd(II) sorption onto TLS is spontaneous, endothermic, and physical in nature. TLS biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS results reveal the presence of zero-valent Pd and mono or divalent Pd species on the TLS surface, which conclude that Pd(II) removal is governed by a sorption-reduction mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The TLS is effective in Pd(II) recovery from an acid-leached solution of monolithic ceramic capacitors (A-MLCC) and simulated spent automobile catalyst (A-SSAC), which suggests that this biosorbent can be used as a promising material in biotechnological processes for recovery of precious metals from secondary waste. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Removal of Heavy Metal Nickel-Ions from Wastewaters Using Carbon Nanodots from Frying Oil

Heavy metals pollution becomes a serious environmental problem because heavy metals are nonbiodegradable and some heavy metal ion such as nickel isknown as toxic metal. In this study, we investigated the natural sorbent materials for removing heavy metals nickel-ions in the wastewaters using carbon nanodots (C-Dots) from frying oil. C-Dots was resulted from frying oil by the hydrothermal method at temperature 300oC for 2 h. The results showed that C-Dots could remove heavy metal nickel-ions in the solution. Electric current from the solution of heavy metal nickel-ion decreases with the number of C-Dots and time that used in the process of removal. The intensity of adsorption spectra from nickel ions contained in the wavelength 600-800 nm. C-Dots from frying oil have a great potential asa natural sorbent.

Adsorption Equilibrium for Heavy Metal Divalent Ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+) into Zirconium-Based Ferromagnetic Sorbent

Zirconium-based ferromagnetic sorbent was fabricated by coprecipitation of Fe2+/Fe3+ salts in a zirconium solution and explored as a potential sorbent for removing the Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ from aqueous solution. The sorbent could easily be separated from aqueous solution under the influence of external magnetic field due to the ferromagnetism property. A trimodal distribution was obtained for the sorbent with average particle size of 22.74 μm. The –OH functional groups played an important role for efficient removal of divalent ions. The surface of the sorbent was rough with abundant protuberance while the existence of divalent ions on the sorbent surface after the sorption process was demonstrated. Decontamination of the heavy metal ions was studied as a function of initial metal ions concentration and solution pH. Uptake of the heavy metal ions showed a pH-dependent profile with maximum sorption at around pH 5. The presence of the ferromagnetic sorbent in solution at different initial pH has shown a buffering effect. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherm models. Adequacy of fit for the isotherm models based on evaluation of R2 and ARE has revealed that heavy metal ions decontamination was fitted well with the Freundlich model.

Towards finding an efficient sorbent for antimony: comparative investigations on antimony removal properties of potential antimony sorbents

Removal of antimony, classified as a pollutant of priority importance, is a challenge due to its presence in various forms in solution and the low concentration in which it is to be removed. In this study, sorption profile and the sorption mechanisms associated with the removal of antimony in its two oxidation states (+3 and +5) have been investigated in detail through batch studies involving titania sorbents, strong base anion resin, a chelating resin, and a biosorbent. Significant sorption-associated change in solution pH was observed with all the sorbents, which revealed the nature of respective sorption equilibrium involved. The results have shown that Sb(V) is removed only as anionic species, while Sb(III) is removed either as an anionic species or as cationic species according to the functional groups present in the sorbent and the solution conditions. Titania-based sorbents were found to be effective sorbents for Sb(III) and Sb(V) within a narrow pH range, while anion resin was found to be superior for removing Sb(V) as Sb(OH)6− under a wide range of solution conditions. The suitability of the sorbents for column mode of operation has also been investigated. This report is a first attempt at a rational comparison of promising sorbents for antimony, and the results demonstrate the complexity involved in antimony sorption and give an understanding of the available options for handling the antimony removal problem in large-scale applications.

Activated carbon from kraft lignin: A sorbent for in situ remediation of contaminated sediments

Abstract A new type of activated carbon derived from Kraft lignin, separated from black liquor in the paper pulp process, was evaluated for its use as an alternative sorbent to commercial powdered activated carbons (AC) from anthracite ( AC COAL ) or coconut ( AC BIO ) for remediation in situ of contaminated sediments. Two types of kraft lignins (KL): (1) softwood (SKL), (2) hardwood (HKL) were first evaluated for their sorption to PAHs using assays in water with passive samplers (POMs). Results showed that without further chemical modifications the two kraft lignins tested had lower sorption coefficients than commercial AC COAL or AC BIO and are not good sorbents for remediation. Following these initial tests a new type of AC derived from softwood ( AC SKL ) was produced in the lab using activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) (lignin:KOH, 1:3 by dry weight) and pyrolysis at 700 °C. Sorption properties of the new AC SKL was compared to the other ACs in water spiked with PAHs and in water with PAH-contaminated sediment. Sorption results were also compared to bioavailability measurements, using digestive fluid extraction (DFE) in vitro, a method that mimics the solubilization of contaminants that occurs in the gut of a sediment-ingesting invertebrate. AC SKL was found to have similar surface area, pore volume and sorption coefficients as AC COAL and AC BIO and thus offers a new potential sorbent for remediation, based on a more renewable biomass-derived source than AC from coal. Sediment amendment with 1% AC-SKL reduced the bioavailability of larger PAHs on average by 54% (measured by DFE), and reduced pore water concentrations of Σ PAH by 80% (measured with passive samplers). Our results show that a new type of AC based on softwood kraft lignin, a renewable and locally produced biomass material, could be used as an alternative sorbent for sediment and water remediation provided it is produced in sufficient amount and at a competitive price compared to other traditional ACs.

Removal of thorium(IV) from aqueous solutions by natural sepiolite

Abstract Natural sepiolite has been tested as a potential sorbent for the removal of Th(IV) from aqueous solutions by batch technique. Effects of various parameters on the adsorption process have been investigated. Under optimum conditions, Th(IV) was adsorbed with high adsorption efficiency. The results indicated that sorption of Th(IV) on sepiolite was strongly affected by pH values and temperature. The adsorption patterns of thorium on the sepiolite adsorbent followed the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. The thermodynamic data (ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG°) are calculated from the temperature-dependent sorption isotherms. The results suggest that sorption process of Th(IV) on sepiolite is spontaneous and endothermic.

Characterization of cadmium removal from aqueous solution by biochar produced from Ipomoea fistulosa at different pyrolytic temperatures

Water contamination by Cadmium (Cd) from industrial wastewater discharge is a critical global predicament. Its remediation creates an imperative need for the development of low-cost adsorbents with high efficiency. We demonstrate use of a novel adsorbent- Ipomoea fistulosa biochar as a low cost, efficient method to remove Cd from aqueous solution with minimum contact time period and adsorbent dose. Biochars produced from the abundantly available Ipomoea plant by slow pyrolysis at 350, 400, 500 and 550°C were found to be effective in removal of Cd from aqueous solution. The efficiency of Cd removal has been considerably improved by activation of biochar using KOH which subsequently enhanced the porous structure resulting in more adsorption sites being exposed to Cd. The process of adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The mechanism for high adsorption efficiency is attributed to surface complexation of biochar particles with Cd(II) ions. Considering the excellent Cd sorption ability of our present adsorbent, there is heightened scope of using Ipomoea biochar as a new potential sorbent for removal of other toxic elements.

Novel Synthesis Route for Chitosan-Coated Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as Potential Sorbents for Wastewater Treatment

Magnetic chitosan–zinc ferrite (ChZnF) composites were proposed as potential adsorbents due to their appropriate physical characteristics and facile separation under external magnetic fields. The magnetic component (ZnFe2O4) was prepared by the sol–gel autocombustion method that yields nanometric spinel compounds with narrow size distribution and with low energy consumption. A certain amount of magnetic powder was dispersed consecutively by ultrasonication in a chitosan-PEG (polyethylene glycol) mixture, in order to obtain the desired nanocomposite. The as-obtained materials were characterized by FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), small-angle X-ray scattering, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller test measurements. Finally, the chitosan-ferrite nanomaterial was successfully tested in simulated wastewater treatments. Different kinetic and equilibrium models have been fitted by nonlinear regression to analyze the adsorption data.

Mesoporous MgO nanoparticles as a potential sorbent for removal of fast orange and bromophenol blue dyes

The removal of fast orange 3R and bromophenol blue dyes was successfully performed on mesoporous MgO nanoparticles. MgO nanoparticles were prepared by sol–gel route using CTAB as template agent. The crystalline, texture and the morphology feature of the prepared nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction, adsorption–desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The results showed that the formation of nanorods of average size about 24 nm in diameter and 38 nm in length. Adsorption of both dyes changed crystallography of catalyst from cubic MgO to hexagonal Mg(OH)2. This research work investigated the factors affecting dye uptake such as contact time, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration and temperature. Different types of adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were performed to get a clear picture on the mechanism and the kinetic of the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, entropy and enthalpy were estimated. The experimental results showed that the adsorption equilibrium data are fitted well to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption isotherms indicated that the adsorption capacities are 30 and 40 mg g−1 for fast orange and bromophenol blue, respectively. The adsorption processes follow pseudo-second-order rate equation. Enthalpy change (ΔH°) for fast orange and bromophenol blue dye is +37.8 and +7.3 kJ mol−1, respectively, indicating that the removal processes are endothermic. The negative values of free energy (ΔG°) suggested that the adsorption processes are spontaneous.

Evaluating the potential of a Nigerian soil as an adsorbent for tartrazine dye: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

The release of toxic tartrazine dye from industrial effluent into the environment is of public health concern. This study therefore aimed at the removal of tartrazine from solution using Nigerian soil as a low cost potential sorbent. The sorbent was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and Scanning electron microscope. Batch sorption methodology was used to investigate the effect of pH, adsorbent dose, dye concentration, contact time and temperature. The sorbent recorded a Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface area of 9.8m2/g and pH point of zero charge of 5.8. Optimum sorption was achieved at pH 2.0, contact time of 120min, adsorbent dose of 0.05g and tartrazine concentration of 50mg/L. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Scatchard and Flory-Huggins isotherm models. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and Bangham models were used for kinetic analysis. Thermodynamics revealed a spontaneous, feasible and endothermic sorption process. The soil was found to be suitable as a low cost sorbent for tartrazine from contaminated solution.

Niobate nanofibers for simultaneous adsorptive removal of radioactive strontium and iodine from aqueous solution

Radioisotopes pose a potential mass threat to public heath if accidently released into the environment. To mitigate the consequences, effective methods must be developed for removal of radioactive ions from the environment. In this study, we show that nanofibers of sodium niobate with negatively charged layers and readily exchangeable sodium ions between the layers can efficiently remove radioactive Sr2+. The exchange of Sr2+ ions with the interlayer Na+ ions can cause structural deformation of layers, trapping the Sr2+ in the nanofibers. Furthermore, silver oxide (Ag2O) nanocrystals can be firmly anchored on the surface of niobate nanofibers via coherent interfaces between Ag2O and niobate phases. I− anions in fluids can easily access the Ag2O nanocrystals and be efficiently trapped by forming an AgI precipitate that firmly attaches to the adsorbent. This bi-functional absorbent can be arranged to remove Sr2+ and I− ions simultaneously by optimizing the Ag2O loading and Na+ content of the niobate nanofibers. It can provide high adsorption capacity for both ions in basic media, unlike other adsorbents that can be used in acid or neutral media. The maximum adsorption capacities of Sr2+ and I− for Ag2O anchored sodium niobate nanofibers were found to be 148.92 and 296 m2 g−1 respectively. Furthermore, the niobate adsorbents can be readily dispersed in liquids and easily separated after purification due to their fibril morphology, which significantly enhances their adsorption efficiency and reduces separation costs. This study demonstrates that Ag2O anchored sodium niobate nanofibers with fibril morphology, negatively charged thin layers and readily exchangers are potential sorbent for the simultaneous uptake of cations and anions.

Sorption behavior of cesium, cobalt and europium radionuclides onto hydroxyl magnesium silicate

Abstract The radioactive wastes from different activities have to be safely disposed of and isolated from the human environment. The retardation of radioactive materials by designed barriers is originally controlled by the sorption ability of the mineral compositions. In this work, a naturally available mineral composite, a hydroxyl magnesium silicate (HMS) was investigated as potential natural inorganic sorbent for the retention of long-lived radionuclides (134Cs, 60Co and 152+154Eu) from aqueous solutions. The factors affecting the sorption process, such as contact time and pH were evaluated. Furthermore X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal and thermogravimetry analyses (DTA/TGA) measurements were examined in order to assess the physicochemical properties of the magnesium silicate mineral. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms fitted the result s substantially better than the Flory–Huggins isotherm and the sorption was found to follow pseudo-first order kinetic model. The proposed mineral has been successfully applied for the sorption of 134Cs, 60Co and 152+154Eu radionuclides from real radioactive waste. The results indicated that about 97.4–99% of 134Cs, 60Co and 152+154Eu radionuclides were efficiently retained onto the HMS mineral. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the HMS mineral is an economic and efficient retaining material for environmental hazardous migration and/or leakage of some radionuclides such as 134Cs, 60Co and 152+154Eu and trivalent actinide (241Am, 242mAm and 243Am) ions. Therefore, this study could be used as a starting point to establish and consider that mineral as an engineered barrier around the disposal facilities at the nuclear activity centres.

Utilization of flower waste for the removal of chromium from tannery effluent

In this work we used flower waste biomass as a biosorbent to remove Cr from tannery effluent through column experiments. The sorption capacities of biosorbent (Fine, coarse and rough grades) were also evaluated by employing chemical pretreatments viz., sodium hydroxide, acetic acid, glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. The order of percentage removal of Cr using the above pretreatments was: 10% hydrogen peroxide &lt; Raw powdered-FWB &lt; 2% Gluteraldehyde &lt; 10% Acetic acid &lt; 0.1N sodium hydroxide. Among the different grades of biosorbents used, fine grade adsorbed more Cr (70 %) than that of coarse (64%) and rough (62 %) sorbents. The removal percentage of Cr from tannery was analyzed by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, the functional groups which are responsible for adsorption was examined by Fourier Transform- Infrared Spectroscopy and the amorphous behaviour of FWB facilitating metal biosorption was indicated by the X-ray diffractogram. This study showed that pretreated flower waste biomass is a potential sorbent of Cr, which could be successfully used to reduce the Cr content in tannery effluent.

Insights into aqueous carbofuran removal by modified and non-modified rice husk biochars.

Biochar has been considered as a potential sorbent for removal of frequently detected pesticides in water. In the present study, modified and non-modified rice husk biochars were used for aqueous carbofuran removal. Rice husk biochars were produced at 300, 500, and 700°C in slow pyrolysis and further exposed to steam activation. Biochars were physicochemically characterized using proximate, ultimate, FTIR methods and used to examine equilibrium and dynamic adsorption of carbofuran. Increasing pyrolysis temperature led to a decrease of biochar yield and increase of porosity, surface area, and adsorption capacities which were further enhanced by steam activation. Carbofuran adsorption was pH-dependant, and the maximum (161mgg-1) occurred in the vicinity of pH5, on steam-activated biochar produced at 700°C. Freundlich model best fitted the sorption equilibrium data. Both chemisorption and physisorption interactions on heterogeneous adsorbent surface may involve in carbofuran adsorption. Langmuir kinetics could be applied to describe carbofuran adsorption in a fixed bed. A higher carbofuran volume was treated in a column bed by a steam-activated biochar versus non-activated biochars. Overall, steam-activated rice husk biochar can be highlighted as a promising low-cost sustainable material for aqueous carbofuran removal.

Biosorptive uptake of ibuprofen by steam activated biochar derived from mung bean husk: Equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, modeling and eco-toxicological studies

The present study explores the use of steam activated mung bean husk biochar (SA-MBHB) as a potential sorbent for the removal of non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen from aqueous solution. SA-MBHB was characterized by SEM, FTIR, BET, TGA, point of zero charge (pHPZC) and UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The relation between removal percentages of ibuprofen and parameters such as adsorbent dose (0.05 g–250 g), contact time (5 min–210 min), pH (2–10), speed of agitation (40–280 rpm), temperature (293–308 K) and initial ibuprofen concentration (5–100 ppm) was investigated and optimized by a series of batch sorption experiments. The optimized conditions achieved were: adsorbent dose 0.1 g/L, agitation speed 200 rpm, pH 2, initial ibuprofen concentration 20 mg L−1, equilibrium time 120 min and temperature 20 °C for more than 99% adsorptive removal of ibuprofen. The equilibrium adsorption data were well fitted into the Langmuir isotherm model while kinetic data suggested the removal process to follow pseudo second order reaction. The adsorption phenomena were optimized and simulated by using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). Effect of process variables viz. dose, agitation speed and pH on the sorbed amount of IBP was studied through a 23 full factorial central composite design (CCD). The comparative analysis was done for ibuprofen removal by constructing ANN model training using same experimental matrix of CCD. The growth of Scenedesmus abundans was also observed to be affected by the IBP solution whereas the biochar treated with IBP solution did not significantly affect the growth of the Scenedesmus abundans. The results revealed that SA-MBHB could be a cost-effective, efficient and non-hazardous adsorbent for the removal of ibuprofen from aqueous solution.