Surface modification of date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera) using potassium hydroxide for wastewater treatment to remove azo dye

In this study, a low cost carbon adsorbent was prepared from date seeds. Their surface was modified with potassium hydroxide for use as an adsorbent for the removal of synthetic dye (methyl orange (MO)) from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial MO concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature were studied. A two-cubed (2³) factorial design was carried out on the experimental data, with two replications for the process optimization. The results showed that all three factors and their interactions up to the third order were significant for the removal efficiency of MO. Maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity was 66.26 mg/g at 318 K.