Optimization of process parameters for methylene blue removal by jute stick using response surface methodology

In this study, jute stick (JS), the underexplored by-product of jute (Corchorus olitorius) cultivation system, has been used as a novel low-cost adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye, from an aqueous medium. Box-Behnken design matrix and response surface methodology (RSM) have been used to evaluate the effect of four important process factors namely, solution pH (3-11), adsorbent dose (0.5-5 g L-1), initial dye concentration (50-200 mg L-1), and time (60-180 min). JS was characterized by physico-chemical parameters, pH(zpc) (zero-point charge), FTIR for the functional groups and SEM-EDX for surface morphology. The direct and interaction effects of adsorption parameters were studied. The optimum values of pH, dose, initial concentration, and time for maximum % dye removal were 10.27, 5 (g L-1), 200 (mg L-1), and 66.06 min. Regeneration and recycling studies were also carried out. The present study indicated that JS, a bio-waste of jute cultivation system, can be effectively utilized as an adsorbent to treat MB contaminated aqueous medium/ wastewater before environmental disposal. (c) 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019