An investigation of adsorption parameters on ZVI-AC nanocomposite in the displacement of Se(IV) ions through CCD analysis

[Display omitted] •The ZVI-AC nanocomposite in 10 μm has been constructed as an excellent transporter of Se(IV) ions.•The morphology and interfacial characteristics of components of nanocomposite has been investigated.•A four-factor central composite design was examined for independent adsorption process variables.•Langmuir adsorption capacity was measured as 34.77 mg/g.•The average diffusivity of Se(IV) is 1.40 × 10−5 m2/s. In this research, a 10 μm nanocomposite was built on the solid carbon used from brew squander with 72.24% carbon (atomic %). On the surface of activated carbon, iron nanoparticles were stacked up to settle the composite. The prepared composite was used to remove Se(IV) from wastewater. A four-factorial central composite design was anticipated, broke down through ANOVA for testing adsorption with optimum operational conditions. Adsorption isotherm study for the present system produces 34.77 mg/g binding capacity of 2.75 g/L nanocomposite to Se(IV) ions. The present system was exothermic, unconstrained, obeys both intra-particle and shrinking core diffusion models.