High-surface-area activated carbon from menengiç (Pistacia terebinthus) fruit shells for efficient removal of carbofuran from water

Abstract The widespread use of pesticides poses significant risks to aquatic environments and human health, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this study, activated carbon was produced from menengiç ( Pistacia terebinthus ) fruit shells and evaluated for carbofuran removal from aqueous solutions. KOH activation yielded a predominantly microporous structure with a BET surface area of 2167 m² g⁻¹, as confirmed by nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, SEM, and XPS. The adsorbent exhibited rapid adsorption, reaching equilibrium within 25 min, with optimal performance at pH 3 and an adsorbent dosage of 5 mg. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 307.3 mg g⁻¹ at 298 K and decreased as the temperature increased. Adsorption equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir model, indicating predominantly monolayer adsorption under the conditions investigated. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Regeneration experiments demonstrated that approximately 91.6% of the initial adsorption capacity was retained after five adsorption–desorption cycles. In addition, the adsorbent maintained approximately 88% of its original adsorption capacity in a simulated wastewater matrix containing competing ions and natural organic matter. The results indicate that menengiç fruit shell–derived activated carbon is a promising adsorbent for carbofuran removal from water and merits further investigation for practical water treatment applications.