Evaluation of sugar bagasse efficiency in phenol removal from aqueous solutions

Background and Aims : Phenolic compounds in water and wastewater not only have deleterious effects on human health and ecosystem, but also change water flavor. Various adsorbents have therefore been suggested for phenol removal from water. In this article, the adsorptive removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by sugar bagasse was investigated. Material and Methods : Prepared bagasse was activated and certain amount of phenol was added on it, tubes were centrifuged in certain time intervals, then the bagasse removed from solution. Following adsorbent, the solution was centrifuged and the prepared bagasse were separated from the solution at certain time intervals. Residual solution was analyzed with UV spectrophotometer for remaining phenol concentrations. Data were analyzed using EXCEL2010 and PRISM6 software. All ethical issues have been considered throughout the study. Results : The results showed that phenol adsorption by the sugar bagasse decreased with increase in pH and initial phenol concentration, while it was decreased with increase in adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. In 10 and 20 mg/L of phenol concentration, a high removal efficiency (≥ 50 %) was observed. The optimal condition adsorption of phenol were suitable pH=3, adsorbent dosage=2 g and contact = 50 min. The maximum adsorption capacity was also 16mg/g. Experimental data were analyzed with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models and the correlation coefficients were 0.9755 and 0.8359, respectively. Conclusion : Bagasse, as a new adsorbent, could effectively remove phenol in optimal conditions. The adsorption isotherm was best fitted by Freundlich adsorption model. Keywords : Bagasse, Adsorption, Phenol, Aqueous solution