Optimization of cadmium(II) removal from water using sunflower waste carbon – a statistical approach

Abstract

In this study, a statistical experimental strategy was used to optimize the Cd(II) adsorption by chemically treated stems of Helianthus annuus (sunflower). The maximum cadmium adsorption was found at 100 mg/L when a dose of 2000 mg/100 ml was applied at pH 6.0. The highest percentage removal obtained using the model was 100%. The F value (17.28), lack-of-fit value (0.09) and coefficient of determination (R² = 0.939) established the appropriateness of quadratic model. The results of confirmation experiment, i.e. 99.8% removal of Cd(II) by prepared adsorbent under optimized conditions agreed well with the model predictions.

Keywords:

• Central composite design
• response surface methodology
• heavy metal
• Helianthus annuus
• sunflower stem carbon

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by UGC in the form of Dr. D.S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowship to the corresponding author.