Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from wastewater by an efficient adsorbent of magnetic activated carbon

An efficient adsorbent of magnetic activated carbon (Fe3O4@AC) was investigated to remove 2,4-DCP from industrial wastewater samples using a spectrophotometer. The Fe3O4@AC was characterized using FTIR, VSM, and SEM. Various adsorption parameters include pH (3–10), contact time (5–100 min), adsorbent dosage (5–80 mg), initial concentration (5–100 mg/L) and temperature (298–333 K) were optimized. The maximum adsorption capacity of 188.7 mg/g was attained. Adsorption study was described by pseudo-second order and Freundlich model. Thermodynamic data proves the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic at room temperature. The adsorbents were further validated and applied to industrial wastewater with a removal ability of 83% to 88%.