wcm.02.2025.383.387

Adsorption is a widely used, cost-effective method for water purification and recycling. Researchers have explored various materials and techniques to develop inexpensive and efficient adsorbents. One promising approach involves the production of chemically activated carbon (AC) from locally available resources to remove water contaminants effectively. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of date pit-derived activated carbon (DP-AC) for water treatment, specifically for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB). The adsorption performance of DP-AC was assessed using two different chemical activating agents, H₃PO₄ and H₂SO₄. Additionally, the influence of key parameters, including particle size, temperature, and pH, on adsorption capacity was investigated. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 60 to 120 minutes. The highest adsorption efficiency was observed when using H₃PO₄-activated carbon, with optimal conditions determined as a particle size of 0.6 mm, a temperature of 30°C, and an alkaline medium (pH 8.06). Furthermore, results indicated that adsorption performance was superior in distilled water compared to natural spring water, due to the competitive adsorption effects of naturally occurring dissolved matter in spring water. The adsorption data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting a heterogeneous adsorption process with multilayer adsorption behavior. The findings of this study demonstrate that date pit-derived activated carbon is an effective and low-costalternative to commercial AC for water treatment. The use of H₃PO₄ as an activating agent significantly enhances adsorption capacity, making DP-AC a promising solution for sustainable and affordable water purification applications.