Application of response surface methodology for optimization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R removal onto a novel polymeric adsorbent

The poly[2-hydroxy-3-(1-naphthyloxy)propyl] methacrylate [poly(NOPMA)] was used as a novel adsorbent for the removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) known as a reactive dye. Physico-chemical properties of polymer were analyzed by FT-IR and SEM before and after dye adsorption. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to explain the adsorption equilibrium, and when it was compared with each other it was seen that the adsorption process was well explained by the Langmuir isotherm model and showing a monolayer adsorption capacity for RBBR of 238.10 mg/g. Kinetic models known as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion model were utilized to analyze the mechanism of adsorption, and results indicated that was an adsorption kinetic suitable with the pseudo-second-order. The thermodynamic parameters (∆Ho, ∆So, ∆Go) indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. To optimize the study conditions, the effects of the concentration of RBBR, adsorbent amount and contact time on the adsorption were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). According to RSM results, maximum RBBR removal was reached at the optimum initial dye concentration of 60.85 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 0.04 g/50 mL and contact time of 59.91 min.