Adsorption of Malachite Green Dye Using Spent Coffee Ground Biochar: Optimisation Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Used coffee grounds usually end up as landfill. However, the unique structural properties of its porous surface make coffee grounds can be transformed into biochar and performed as an alternative low cost adsorbent. Malachite green (MG) is a readily water soluble dye which is used extensively in textile and aquaculture industries. The mordant complex structures of MG generate destructive effects to animals and environment. In this study, adsorption of malachite green using spent coffee ground biochar as adsorbent was investigated. The experiments were designed in two methods: classical and optimisation by response surface methodology. Three parameters were studied, which are adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH while the responses in this study are malachite green removal (%) and adsorption capacity (mg/g). Optimisation studies were performed using response surface methodology. Quadratic model was chosen for both response and studied using central composite design. The correlation coefficient, R-2 for the quadratic model of malachite green removal (%) and adsorption capacity (mg/g) were 0.95 and 0.99, respectively. The optimum malachite green removal (%) predicted was found at 99.27%, by using 0.12 g of adsorbent dosage, 43.05 minutes of contact time and pH of 9.45 at desirability of 1.0. The optimum adsorption capacity (mg/g) predicted was found at 118.01 mg/g, by using 0.02 g of adsorbent dosage, 60 minutes of contact time and pH of 10.24 at desirability of 0.98. So, it was concluded that the spent coffee ground biochar can be used as an effective adsorbent for malachite green removal from aqueous solution.