DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Alfaro, Shelah R.
Abstract/Executive Summary
Heavy metal contamination in natural water sources poses a significant threat to public health, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental safety in affected communities. This study explores the utilization of Mango Peel Activated Carbon (MPAC), derived from ripe mango (Mangifera indica) peels, as a biosorbent for removing Iron(III) from aqueous solution, which underwent a sequence of physical and chemical activation processes. This examined key parameters such as A: adsorbent dosage (0.025–0.1 g/L), B: contact time (15–35 minutes), and C: temperature (25–35 °C), in order to assess its potential as a sustainable clean water solution. A Box-Behnken Design under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in JMP Pro 18 was used to optimize these parameters. The highest observed Fe³⁺ removal was 29.02%, with model-based optimization predicting 28.85% removal under 0.1 g/L dosage, 35 minutes, and 35 °C (desirability: 0.941). Adsorbent dosage had the most significant effect on performance, while time and temperature showed minor, nonlinear influences. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing groups facilitating adsorption, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed the statistical significance of the model (p = 0.0083), identifying adsorbent dosage and its interaction with temperature as the most significant factors.
Keywords
activated carbon; adsorption; bio-adsorbent; Box-Behnken design; ferric chloride