Optimization of defluoridation using Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent through Taguchi's method

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Fluoride contamination in groundwater poses significant health risks.
• Developing cost-effective and sustainable biosorbents is crucial for water treatment.
• Ficus benghalensis leaves represent an underutilized biomass resource.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize process parameters for defluoridation using Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent.
• To characterize the biosorbent and understand the adsorption mechanism.
• To evaluate the technical feasibility of the biosorbent for treating contaminated groundwater.

Main Methods:

• Taguchi design of experiments was employed to optimize parameters like pH, initial concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature.
• Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics were studied using Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models.
• Advanced characterization techniques including BET, FESEM-EDS, and FTIR were utilized.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions for fluoride removal were determined as pH 7, 5 mg/L initial concentration, 120 min contact time, 10 g/L adsorbent dose, and 30°C.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed pH (50.76%) and initial adsorbate concentration (44.76%) as the most significant parameters.
• The adsorption process followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating spontaneous and endothermic nature.
• Over 90% fluoride removal was achieved in contaminated groundwater, meeting drinking water standards.

Conclusions:

• Ficus benghalensis leaf biosorbent is effective for defluoridation.
• The Taguchi method successfully optimized process parameters for efficient fluoride removal.
• The developed biosorbent demonstrates practical applicability for treating fluoride-contaminated water.