Statistical optimization of adsorption processes for removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol by activated carbon derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon produced from oil palm empty fruit bunches through removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol fromaqueous solution was carried out in the laboratory.The activated carbon was produced by thermal activation of activation time with 30min at 800°C.The adsorption process conditions were determined with the statistical optimization followed by central compositedesign.A developed polynomial model for operating conditions of adsorption process indicated that the optimum conditions formaximum adsorption of phenolic compound were:agitation rate of 100 r/min,contact time of 8 h,initial adsorbate concentrationof 250 mg/L and pH 4.Adsorption isotherms were conducted to evaluate biosorption process.Langmuir isotherm was more favorable(R2=0.93)for removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol by the activated carbon rather than Freundlich isotherm(R2=0.88).