Boron removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption using full factorial design

In this study, boron removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption was investigated by applying an experimental design. Alumina and activated carbon were used as adsorbents. The experimental test was carried out using a 2 3 full factorial design. The statistical test showed that adsorbent type, pH of solution and temperature affect boron removal by adsorption. Regression equation formulated for boron adsorption was represented as a function of response variables. The accuracy of the equation has been verified by Fisher's adequacy test. It was observed that the coefficient of adsorbent type had the highest value, followed by temperature, and the lowest value was the pH of the solution. The results obtained from the study on parameters showed that as pH increased and temperature decreased boron removal by adsorption increased. Maximum boron removal was obtained at pH 10 and 20 degreesC. Adsorption of boron on alumina and activated carbon conforms to Langmuir's isotherm. It has been reported that the adsorption capacities of alumina and activated carbon are 86.21, 166.67 mgg(-1), respectively.