Optimization of Adsorption Parameters for Ultra-Fine Calcite Using a Box-Behnken Experimental Design

Abstract

Removal of heavy metals from wastewater is a significant issue because it prevents environmental based concerns and impacts a large number of diseases and disorders. Many low-cost natural materials have been offered recently as possible precursors to commercial synthetic adsorbents. Ultra-fine calcite, one of these natural materials, has been investigated as a potential commercial adsorbent. Response surface designs are effective experimental techniques to investigate the heavy metal adsorption capacity of ultra-fine calcite. In the present study, one such response surface design, Box-Behnken, is used in order to optimize adsorption factors, such as pH level, initial metal concentration, stirring rate and adsorption time, and to determine the heavy metal capacity of this adsorbent. Our results show that the proposed methodology is an effective approach to optimizing the adsorption process and to maximize the heavy metal capacity.