Optimization of Process Parameters for Methylene Blue Removal by Jute Stick Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

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, pHzpc (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.