Optimization of preparation conditions of a novel low-cost natural bio-sorbent from olive pomace and column adsorption processes on the removal of phenolic compounds from olive oil mill wastewater

Olive oil mill wastewater (OMWW) poses an undeniable environmental problem due to its high organic loads and phenolic compound (PC) content. This study determined the optimal conditions for preparing a new bio-sorbent from olive pomace (OP) and the adsorptive treatment of OMWW by this bio-sorbent. The activation reaction was performed with hydrogen peroxide. The results of the combination effect optimization of the three preparation variables, the activation temperature (°C) X 1 , the activation time (min) X 2 , and the impregnation ratio X 3 , are presented by the response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at an activation time of 240 min, a temperature of 80 °C, and a ratio equal to 6.2:1. The bio-sorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The adsorption process performance of this bio-sorbent was examined in batch (phenol solution) and fixed-bed columns (real effluent of OMWW). An adsorption capacity of 789.28 mg g −1 and 643.92 mg g −1 has been achieved for 4000 mg L −1 concentration of PCs, respectively, for batch and fixed-bed column essays. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were consistent with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. Therefore, the Thomas model best fits the fixed-bed column experimental data. The bio-sorbent gave a high desorption percentage of PCs, which was above 60% using HCl (0.1M). Graphical abstract