Statistical optimization of methylene blue dye removal efficiency by merbau based activated carbon via RSM-CCD.

Merbau sawdust derived activated carbon (MAC) was prepared via microwave-assisted chemical activation of potassium hydroxide (KOH) for removal of methylene blue (MB) dyes from an aqueous solution. The influence of operating preparation variables such as radiation power (x1 = 264-616 Watts), radiation time (x2=4-8 minutes), and impregnation ratio (x3=0.5-2.0) on MB removal and MAC yield were optimized using central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology (RSM). The adequacy of the statistical model between the relationship of the significant factors and responses were successfully indicate (p<0.05) by using analysis of variance (ANOVA), where radiation power and impregnation ratio had significant effects for both responses. The findings exhibit a maximum MB removal of 95.58% with MAC yield of 31.8% at optimum preparation variables: radiation power of 460 Watts, radiation time of 4.0 minutes, and impregnation ratio of 0.94. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]