A response surface methodology for optimization of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid removal from synthetic and drainage water: a comparative study

Abstract

The potential of a granular activated carbon (GAC), a rice husk biochar (BRH), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from simulated wastewater and drainage water has been evaluated. In this regard, a response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) (CCD-RSM design) was used to optimize the removal of 2,4-D from simulated wastewater under different operational parameters. The maximum adsorption capacities followed the order GAC > BRH > MWCNTs, whereas the equilibrium time increased in the order MWCNTs < GAC < BRH. In the case of GAC and BRH, the 2,4-D removal percentage increased significantly upon increasing the adsorbent dosage and temperature and decreased upon increasing the initial 2,4-D concentration and pH. The results showed that the contact time and temperature were not important as regards the adsorption efficiency of 2,4-D by MWCNTs, whereas rapid removal of 2,4-D from simulated wastewater was achieved within the first 5 min of contact with the MWCNTs. The results confirmed that the Freundlich isotherm model with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest standard error of the estimate (SEE) satisfactorily fitted the 2,4-D experimental data. In addition, successful usage of the three adsorbents investigated was observed for removal of 2,4-D from drainage water from an agricultural drainage system. An economic analysis with a rate of return (ROR) method indicated that BRH could be used as an eco-friendly, low-cost, versatile, and high adsorption capacity alternative to GAC and MWCNTs for the removal of 2,4-D.