Statistical Optimization of Adsorption Processes for The Removal of Phenol by Activated Carbon Derived from Baobab Fruit Shell

Baobab fruit shell (BFS) biomass was used as an alternative precursor for producing high surface area and microporous baobab fruit shell activated carbon (BFS-AC) by chemical activation using KOH. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed for the characterization of baobab fruit shell activated carbon. The adsorption property of BFS-AC for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution was evaluated. The effect of key adsorption parameters such as the contact time (10-20 min), BFS-AC dose (2.5-3.5 g/L), pH (1-3), and agitation speed (150-250 rpm) were optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM) with faced centered central composite design (FCCCD). Consequently, a maximum adsorption capacity (196.86 mg/g) was achieved at 15 min of contact time, 2 of pH, 3 g/L of adsorbent dosage, and 250 rpm of agitation speed. The results reveal that BFS-AC has an efficient performance for the removal of phenol from aqueous media.