Bioeconomic transformation of bio-oil production wastes: a novel adsorbent material for toxic dye adsorption and optimization of process parameters

In this study, for the first time, an adsorbent material was produced from the waste left behind after the bio-oil production process from Terebinth (Pistacia Terebinthus L.) seeds as part of bioconversion, and the adsorption of the hazardous dyestuff methylene blue from aquatic media was investigated. The characterization of the adsorbent was performed using FT-IR, SEM, and BET analysis. The characterization of methylene blue adsorption was conducted to fully understand its nature, including its kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamic works. The maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) of the monolayer, as determined from the equilibrium data, was calculated to be 166.07 mg g⁻¹. Additionally, the experimental design method was utilized to determine the optimum conditions of the methylene blue adsorption process under various conditions. This study revealed that activated carbons from Terebinth seeds can be used as an economical and environmentally friendly adsorbent, which is very suitable for the removal of highly toxic dyes.