Fig leaves (Ficus carica) as adsorbents for removal of 4-bromoaniline (4BA) from aqueous solutions: Modelling and optimization

Aniline and its derivatives are organic intermediaries which are considered as potential pollutants. Their presence in water at very low concentrations is harmful to aquatic life (Han et al. 2006). Adsorption is one of the purification and separation techniques used in this area. Algeria produces annually 56910 tones of fig; therefore, a large amount of fig leaves is generated, and the conversion of this waste into adsorbent allows the valorization of agricultural residue. The main purpose of the present work is to describe an application of statistical method for modelling and optimization of the conditions of the 4-bromoaniline (4BA) adsorption by an agricultural by-product, locally available (fig leaves), treated by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).