Improved adsorption performance of sawdust by ultrasonic wave: Optimization through response surface methodology, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

 One of the most important sources of environmental pollution is dye from industrial wastewater which is harmful for human health and environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions by straw using ultrasonic wave with response surface methodology. The batch experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dye concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage and pH on dye removal from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology was applied to appraise the effect of these different variables. The dye concentration in the solutions was measured by spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 664 nm. The results showed that the optimum parameter values for maximum color removal efficiency were: dye concentration 20 mg/L, reaction time 8 min, dose of adsorbent 4 g/L and pH=9. The Maximum and minimum dye removal were obtained 92.29 and 47.5 percent, respectively. Analysis of variances test showed that the quadratic model was the best model to explain the interaction of variables. Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), the coefficient of determination value (R2 =0.9116) was high, showing that the experimental values fitted well with the predicted values. In addition, the statistical analysis of the results indicated that in the range studied, dose of adsorbent and pH had a significant effect on color removal efficiency. The Gibbs free energy and enthalpy data verified its spontaneous and endothermic nature. In addition, survey of pseudo first and second order kinetics models presented that the adsorption process was compatible to pseudo-second order kinetics equation.