Optimization of process parameters for acrylonitrile removal by a low-cost adsorbent using Box-Behnken design.

In the present work, acrylonitrile removal from wastewater was investigated using an agri-based adsorbent-sugarcane bagasse fly ash (BFA). The effect of such parameters as adsorbent dose (w), temperature (T) and time of contact (t) on the sorption of acrylonitrile by BFA was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken surface statistical design at an initial acrylonitrile concentration, C(0)=100mg/l as a fixed input parameter. The results of RSM indicate that the proposed models predict the responses adequately within the limits of input parameters being used. The isotherm shows a two-step adsorption, well represented by a two-step Langmuir isotherm equation. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the sorption process to be spontaneous and exothermic.