Response surface methodology optimization of oil removal using banana peel as biosorbent

Improper waste management of oil causes environmental pollution particularly water pollution. Conventional method in treating oil contaminants are expensive and have low removal efficiency, hence the use of natural adsorbent is suggested because of its reliability and affordability. This study aimed to use banana peel as a biosorbent for oil removal and the application of response surface methodology to identify the optimum conditions of oil removal. The adsorptive capacity of household wastes derived from banana peel towards oil were studied by using different parameters such as oil concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time. Maximum oil adsorption of 98.86% was achieved using banana peel. The optimum conditions for oil removal were found at a dosage of 4.94 g, for 10.29 hours contact time and the initial oil concentration as high as 8.74%. The rate of oil adsorption was mathematically described as a function of experimental parameters and was modelled through response surface methodology via Box-Behnken design. The results showed that the responses of oil adsorption were significantly affected by the quadratic term of oil concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA which indicated good correlation of experimental parameters