Optimization of multiple parameters for adsorption of arsenic (III) from aqueous solution using Psidium guajava leaf powder

The conventional method of water treatment using activated carbon from several sources has been focused on extensively in the last two decades. However, rare attention has been noticed on natural adsorbents such as plant leaves. Therefore, the Psidium guajava (guava) leaf has been investigated to understand its adsorption efficacy for Arsenic (III) [As(III)] in this study. The effect of process variables, e.g., pH, concentration of metal ion, adsorbent's particle size, and dosages, are evaluated. Experiments are carried out in batch mode, and the individual and combined parameter's impact on adsorption have been discussed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to characterize the adsorbent's surface. Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherms are used for adsorption equilibrium study. The adsorption parameters are optimized by establishing a regression correlation using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggests a high regression coefficient (R2 = 0.9249) for the removal of As(III). Particle size of 0.39 mm; adsorbent's height of 10 cm; metal ion concentration of 30 ppm, and pH 6 are optimized to remove 90.88% As(III) from aqueous solution. HCl is evaluated as a potential solvent for desorption of arsenic from the desorption study.