Optimization of adsorption parameter for removal of heavy metal using zeolite and Portland cement mixture coated on egg carton

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>The mixture of zeolite and Portland cement coated on egg carton (ZP-Egg) has found to be a more sustainable alternative to adsorb heavy metals in wastewater treatment. It is crucial to study and observe the effect of different parameters on the adsorption efficiency and the optimization of the parameters prior to the application of ZP-Egg in the adsorption of Cu<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>. Design Expert (DOE) Version 7.0.1 was used to optimize the adsorption parameters, including pH, temperature and adsorbent dosage with the experimental data obtained from literatures. Generally, the adsorption efficiency increased as the temperature increased until a maximum temperature was achieved, which was around 50 °C. The pH value of the solution was found to be optimum within the range of pH 3 to pH 7. The adsorption efficiency of Cu<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup> has found to be increasing with the increase of adsorbent dosage, until the active sites become saturated as the concentration of the heavy metals remained constant.</jats:p>