This study investigates optimized tartrazine uptake by activated carbon prepared from biosolids (BBAC). Different tartrazine concentrations (10-20 mg/L), adsorbent dosages (1.0-2.0 g), pH (2.0-4.0), and contact times (60-120 min) were tested. These independent variables formed a 24 full factorial experiment arranged as central composite rotative design (CCRD). Response surface methodology (RSM) analyzed the responses of 50 experimental runs. Tartrazine removal efficiency fluctuated between 76.2% and 99.9%. The experimental data were best fitted by a quadratic model (R2 > 0.95, p > 0.0001). All variables exerted statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on the tartrazine uptake (initial concentration, p = 0.0011; BBAC dosage, p = 0.0004; pH, p < 0.0001; contact time, p < 0.0001). Optimized tartrazine uptake efficiency of 97.4% can happen when variables mutually correlate at 10.1 mg/L of tartrazine concentration, 1.07 g of adsorbent dosage, 2.13 of pH, and 116.9 min of contact time. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Production of biosolids-based activated carbon (BBAC) is presented. Adsorptive affinity to tartrazine in aqueous solution was experimented. Experimental conditions optimized by Response Surface Methodology.
Keywords: RSM; alternative adsorbent; azo dye; organic pollutant; waste reclamation.
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