Optimization of Bisphenol A Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon Produced from Almond Shell Using Response Surface Methodology

Background and purpose: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic environmental pollutant that is released from different industries. The aim of this study was to investigate bisphenol A adsorption by activated carbon production from almond shell applying response surface methodology (RSM). In this descriptive-analytic study, activated carbon production from almond shell was used as adsorbent which was prepared using standard methods. The variables were pH, initial concentration of BPA, and adsorbent dose. RSM was applied to optimize pH, initial concentration of BPA and adsorbent dose. The adsorption efficiency increased (by 84%) in high dose adsorbent (1.5 g), BPA concentration ≤60mg/l, and pH 3. ANOVA test showed that the surface response model had a significant linear relationship in the case of activated carbon. Activated carbon produced from almond shell, as a low cost adsorbent, could significantly adsorb bisphenol A in aquatic environments.