Modeling and optimization of adsorption parameters for hexavalent chromium removal from wastewater using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology
- 1Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Jazan University
- 2Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu
- 3Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, College of Applied Industrial Technology (CAIT), Jazan University
Abstract
Chromium discharged from industries has the potential to severely damage the environment. This study focuses on the optimization of adsorption parameters for successful elimination of hexavalent chromium, i.e., Cr(VI) from wastewater by utilizing activated carbon. The study used an economical Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM), as a novel approach to design the experiments for pH varied from 2 to 6, adsorbent dosage and contact time ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 g/L and 30–150 min respectively. Thereafter, using BBD-RSM, the adsorption parameters were modelled, and optimized to get maximum Cr(VI) removal. A second-order regression model was developed, which predicted a removal of 98.6% with a desirability function of 0.989 at the optimum pH of 2, contact time of 150 min, and the adsorbent dose of 1.2 g/L. Kinetic studies showed that a pseudo-second-order model, with R² of 0.999 fitted well, indicating chemisorption. Additionally, equilibrium studies conformed to a Langmuir isotherm with an R² value greater than 0.98, indicating monolayer adsorption onto the surface of activated carbon. Hence, these models, combined with the optimization of adsorption parameters, enabled high removal efficiencies of Cr(VI) from wastewater and a reliable prediction of adsorption behavior.
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BibTeX
@article{ahmad2026modeling,
title = {{Modeling and optimization of adsorption parameters for hexavalent chromium removal from wastewater using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology}},
author = {Tarique Ahmad and Ubhat Ali and Mohammad Ehtisham Khan},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-70768-z},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-70768-z},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Modeling and optimization of adsorption parameters for hexavalent chromium removal from wastewater using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology
AU - Tarique Ahmad
AU - Ubhat Ali
AU - Mohammad Ehtisham Khan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-70768-z
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-70768-z
AB - Chromium discharged from industries has the potential to severely damage the environment. This study focuses on the optimization of adsorption parameters for successful elimination of hexavalent chromium, i.e., Cr(VI) from wastewater by utilizing activated carbon. The study used an economical Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM), as a novel approach to design the experiments for pH varied from 2 to 6, adsorbent dosage and contact time ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 g/L and 30–150 min respectively. Thereafter, using BBD-RSM, the adsorption parameters were modelled, and optimized to get maximum Cr(VI) removal. A second-order regression model was developed, which predicted a removal of 98.6% with a desirability function of 0.989 at the optimum pH of 2, contact time of 150 min, and the adsorbent dose of 1.2 g/L. Kinetic studies showed that a pseudo-second-order model, with R² of 0.999 fitted well, indicating chemisorption. Additionally, equilibrium studies conformed to a Langmuir isotherm with an R² value greater than 0.98, indicating monolayer adsorption onto the surface of activated carbon. Hence, these models, combined with the optimization of adsorption parameters, enabled high removal efficiencies of Cr(VI) from wastewater and a reliable prediction of adsorption behavior.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -