Optimization of parameters affecting corn cob activated carbon in the removal of cationic brilliant green dye from aqueous solution

Excessive release of dye pollutants from textile and pulp industries becomes a major water pollution source. These toxic pollutants are extremely toxic to living things. The present paper deals with the preparation of a novel low-cost and eco-friendly chemically treated corncob activated carbon as an adsorbent and were further explored for the removal of brilliant green (BG) dye from an aqueous solution. The adsorption process is the most effective technique for the removal of dye from wastewater. The activated carbon was produced using H2SO4 activation. Batch experiments were performed on synthetic wastewater, and the effect of operating parameters such as pH, initial concentration of dye, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were studied. The maximum removal efficiency of brilliant green dye using corncob activated carbon was optimum at pH (7.172), adsorbent dosage (0.276 g), contact time (63.847 min), and initial concentration (59.463 mg/L). The potential of corn cob-activated carbon and agricultural waste for dye removal from wastewater clearly aligns with future goals and requires collaborative efforts from both researchers and industry professionals to develop a visible, economical, and viable water treatment technology.