Optimizing lead(П) removal from aqueous solution by a carbon nanocomposite using Taguchi method

Water pollution with heavy metals is considered as a serious health problem in terms of human health risks. Therefore, it is important to remove these contaminants from polluted environments. In present study, a carbon nanocomposite was made of graphene oxide and activated carbon prepared from lignocellulosic waste and then optimum conditions for lead removal were investigated using Taguchi method and the effect of four effective factors on adsorption, including different adsorbent doses, pH values, initial concentrations and contact times were investigated at 5 levels. The iodine number of the nanocomposite was determined 920 mg/g. The maximum efficiency of lead removal by carbon nanocomposite was determined at a 0.5 g/L of adsorbent dose, pH=6, initial lead concentration of 50 mg/L and contact time=60 min. The produced nanocomposite in this study has a high potential for removal of lead from aqueous solution and can be proposed as a cheap absorbent for treatment of lead contaminated wastewater.