The response surface methodology has been used to optimize the calcination temperature and time for the preparation of suitable adsorbent from powdered marble. In order to determine the optimal conditions of the preparation, the Doehlert design and Desirability function were applied. The yield and the adsorption of methylene blue have been studied and represented in all experimental regions of calcination temperature and time. The increase in calcination temperature increases the methylene blue adsorption and induces a reduction in yield. The optimal conditions have been identified to be an activation temperature of 950 °C and calcination time of 50 min. The characteristics of the obtained adsorbent were determined using X-ray powder diffraction, SEM/EDX and surface functions based on FTIR. The results showed that the yield was 58.52 % and the adsorption of methylene blue was 49.01 mg g-1. The powdered marble was found to be an effective material for the preparation of appropriate adsorbent for dyes removal from wastewater.
