Mercury Removal by Adsorption on Pectin Extracted from Sugar Beet Pulp: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

Considering the rich sugar beet resource in Xinjiang, China, the possibilities for Hg(II) removal by pectin extracted from sugar beet pulp and optimization of the extraction process using response surface methodology (RSM) were studied. The experiments were proposed by Box‐Behnken design (BBD) and a second‐order regression model was developed for regression analysis and analysis of variance. Optimized conditions in terms of temperature, concentration, and solid‐liquid ratio were determined. The effects of different parameters like pH, time, temperature, and initial Hg(II) concentration on adsorption capacity were investigated. The isotherm adsorption experiments were fitted with the Langmuir model which indicated monolayer adsorption.