Arsenic adsorption from aqueous solution using graphene oxide-sodium silicate nanocomposite modified by silver nanoparticles: process modeling by response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Ag@GO/Na₂SiO₃ nanocomposite in eliminating As from aqueous solutions. Employing response surface methodology, the research systematically examines the adsorption process.

Design/methodology/approach

Various experimental parameters including sample pH, contact time, As concentration and adsorbent dosage are optimized to enhance the As removal process.

Findings

Under optimized conditions, the initial As concentration, contact time, pH and adsorbent dosage are determined to be 32 ppm, 50 mins, 6.5 and 0.4 grams, respectively. While the projected removal of As stands at 97.6% under these conditions, practical application achieves a 93% removal rate. Pareto analysis identifies the order of significance among factors as follows: adsorbent dosage > contact time > pH > As concentration.

Practical implications

This study highlights the potential Ag@GO/Na₂SiO₃ as a promising adsorbent for efficiently removing industrial As from aqueous solutions, and it is likely to have a good sufficiency in the filtration of water and wastewater treatment plans to remove some chemical pollution, including paints and heavy metals.

Originality/value

The simplicity of the nanocomposite preparation method without the need for advanced equipment and the cheapness of the raw materials and its potential ability to remove As are the prominent advantages of this research.