Adsorption of phosphate ions and RBBR dye from aqueous solution using thermally activated mandarin peel waste

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the use of mandarin peels as an absorbent for phosphate and Remazol Brilliant Blue-R (RBBR) removals was investigated. The impact of variations in activation temperature, pH levels, and adsorbent dosage on the removal of phosphate and RBBR was examined and optimized. For phosphate and RBBR removal, 900°C thermally activated mandarin peels were selected. The optimal parameters for phosphate removal were found to be at the initial pH of 5.9, an adsorbent dose of 0.75 g/L, and a contact time of 60 min, which achieved a phosphate removal efficiency of 100%. The maximum RBBR removal conditions were obtained at the original pH (5.35), 1.75 g/L absorbent dose, and 60 min contact time. The RBBR removal efficiency was found to be 95% under these conditions. These data show that mandarin peel waste can be used efficiently as an adsorbent in the absorption process.