Adsorption of basic dyes on granular activated carbon and natural zeolite

The adsorption of basic dyes from aqueous solution onto granular activated carbon and natural zeolite has been studied using an agitated batch adsorber. The influence of agitation, initial dye concentration and adsorbent mass has been studied. The parameters of Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms have been determined using the adsorption data. Homogeneous diffusion model (solid diffusion) combined with external mass transfer resistance is proposed for the kinetic investigation. The dependence of solid diffusion coefficient on initial concentration and mass adsorbent is represented by the simple empirical equations.     

Removal of cadmium and nickel from wastewater using bagasse fly ash--a sugar industry waste

The bagasse fly ash, an industrial solid waste of sugar industry, was used for the removal of cadmium and nickel from wastewater. As much as 90% removal of cadmium and nickel is possible in about 60 and 80 min, respectively, under the batch test conditions. Effect of various operating variables, viz., solution pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, temperature, particle size, etc., on the removal of cadmium and nickel has been studied. Maximum adsorption of cadmium and nickel occurred at a concentration of 14 and 12 mg x l(-1) and at a pH value of 6.0 and 6.5, respectively. A dose of 10 g x l(-1) of adsorbent was sufficient for the optimum removal of both the metal ions. The material exhibits good adsorption capacity and the adsorption data follow the Langmuir model better then the Freundlich model. The adsorption of both the metal ions increased with increasing temperature indicating endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Isotherms have been used to determine thermodynamic parameters of the process, viz., free energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change.     

Combined effect of carbon dosage and initial adsorbate concentration on the adsorption isotherm of heavy metals on activated carbon

The adsorption of dissolved chromium and lead ions by powdered activated carbons significantly depends on the pH, initial adsorbate concentration and carbon dosage. Freundlich and Langmuir equations were unable to describe adequately the observed isotherms under the combined influence of both the carbon dosage and initial adsorbate concentration. These equations were modified and the resulting equations were found to correlate well with the experimental equilibrium data. The modified Langmuir equation gave an overall mean ratio of calculated to experimental adsorptive capacity of 1.001 compared with 1.046 given by the modified Freundlich equation for a total of 135 sets of equilibrium data obtained at different carbon dosages and initial adsorbate concentrations.     

Single and competitive adsorption of Cd and Zn onto a granular activated carbon

Single and competitive adsorption of cadmium and zinc onto granular activated carbon DARCO 12–20 mesh has been investigated. This activated carbon has been shown as an effective adsorbent for both metals. Cadmium and zinc removals increased with pH and decreased with molar metal/carbon ratio. Surface precipitation phenomena have been detected for the higher pHs and molar ratios. The adsorption process has been modelled on the surface complexation Triple Layer Model (TLM). For this purpose, the amphoteric nature of the activated carbon has been studied. Single metal adsorption data have been used to calibrate TLM parameters. A dependence of the adsorption constants on pH and molar metal/carbon ratio has been observed, and a correlation for log K_ads has been determined. In the competitive system, the removal efficiency of the activated carbon decreased for both metals. The TLM model, using surface complexation constants determined from single adsorption experiments, successfully predicted cadmium and zinc removal from the two metal solutions.     

Equilibrium modelling of individual and simultaneous biosorption of chromium(VI) and nickel(II) onto dried activated sludge

The biosorption of chromium(VI) and nickel(II) ions, both singly and in combination, by dried activated sludge was investigated in a batch system as a function of initial pH and single- and dual-metal ion concentrations. The working initial pH values for single chromium(VI) and nickel(II) biosorptions were determined as 1.0 and 4.5, respectively. It was observed that the co-ion effect on the equilibrium uptake became more pronounced as the co-ion concentration in solution increased and pH level increased for chromium(VI) and decreased for nickel(II). Adsorption isotherms were developed for both the single- and dual-metal ion systems at these two pH values and expressed by the mono- and multi-component Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models and model parameters were estimated by the non-linear regression. It was seen that the mono-component adsorption equilibrium data fitted very well to both the mono-component adsorption models for both the components and the pH values studied while the multi-component Freundlich adsorption model adequately predicted the multi-component adsorption equilibrium data at moderate ranges of initial mixture concentrations for both the studied pH values.     

Removal of Congo Red from Aqueous Solutions by Spent Black Tea as Adsorbent

Herein we present spent black tea as an adsorbent for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of various parameters such as pH, time, temperature, adsorbent dosage and adsorbate dosage on dye adsorption were investigated. Batch experiments were conducted using different amount of adsorbent material (2.5–1000 mg) at varying amounts of adsorbate (5–500 mg/L) at 35°C and different pH (1–13). A maximum dye removal of >80% was achieved with an adsorbent dose of 100 mg, adsorbate concentration of 5 mg/L under pH range of 6 within 5 min at room temperature. The experimental data were modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms and conforms to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms but not to Temkin isotherm. The proposed spent black tea can be effectively used as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of Congo red dye.     

Removal of anionic dye Congo red from aqueous solution by raw pine and acid-treated pine cone powder as adsorbent: equilibrium, thermodynamic, kinetics, mechanism and process design

Pine cone a natural, low-cost agricultural by-product in Australia has been studied for its potential application as an adsorbent in its raw and hydrochloric acid modified form. Surface study of pine cone and treated pine cone was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modification process leads to increases in the specific surface area and decreases mean particle sizes of acid-treated pine cone when compared to raw pine cone biomass. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to remove anionic dye Congo red from aqueous solution. It was found that the extent of Congo red adsorption by both raw pine cone biomass and acid-treated biomass increased with initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature but decreased with increasing solution pH and amount of adsorbent of the system. Overall, kinetic studies showed that the dye adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics based on pseudo-first-order and intra-particle diffusion models. The different kinetic parameters including rate constant, half-adsorption time, and diffusion coefficient were determined at different physico-chemical conditions. Equilibrium data were best represented by Freundlich isotherm model among Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. It was observed that the adsorption was pH dependent and the maximum adsorption of 32.65 mg/g occurred at pH of 3.55 for an initial dye concentration of 20 ppm by raw pine cone, whereas for acid-treated pine cone the maximum adsorption of 40.19 mg/g for the same experimental conditions. Freundlich constant 'n' also indicated favourable adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters such as ?G(0), ?H(0), and ?S(0) were calculated. A single-stage batch absorber design for the Congo red adsorption onto pine cone biomass also presented based on the Freundlich isotherm model equation.     

Process development for the removal of lead and chromium from aqueous solutions using red mud--an aluminium industry waste

Red mud, an aluminium industry waste, has been converted into an inexpensive and efficient adsorbent and used for the removal of lead and chromium from aqueous solutions. Effect of various factors on the removal of these metal ions from water (e.g. pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, temperature, particle size, etc.) has been studied and discussed. The effect of presence of other metal ions/surfactants on the removal of Pb2+ and Cr6+ has also been studied. The material exhibits good adsorption capacity and the data follow both Freundlich and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the feasibility of the process. Kinetic studies have been performed to understand the mechanism of adsorption. Dynamic modelling of lead and chromium removal on red mud has been undertaken and found to follow first-order kinetics. The rate constant and mass transfer coefficient have also been evaluated under optimum conditions of removal in order to understand the mechanism. Column studies have been carried out to compare these with batch capacities. The recovery of Pb2+ and Cr6+ and chemical regeneration of the spent column have also been tried.     

Experimental study on adsorption capacity of an activated carbon-based adsorption water chiller

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of a working pair for an adsorption water chiller. Activated carbon fibre–methanol, activated carbon fibre–ethanol and activated carbon pallet–ethanol were used as an adsorbent–adsorbate pair in this study. The experiment was conducted using a stainless steel adsorber, 110?mm diameter by 150?mm height, filled with adsorbent and transparent plastic evaporator, 100?ml capacity, filled with adsorbate. The experiment was performed by isobaric adsorption in the temperature range of 10–100°C at the evaporator temperature of 20°C (water chiller). An experimental investigation showed that the activated carbon fibre–methanol pair has the highest adsorption capacity (0.44?kg/kg) compared to the activated carbon fibre–ethanol and activated carbon pallet–ethanol pairs. The finding revealed that uniform structure and large surface area of adsorbent as well as low boiling point and large latent heat of adsorbate had highly significant effects on adsorption capacity. The effect of time and adsorber temperature on adsorption capacity is also discussed in this study.     

Adsorption of arsenite and arsenate within activated alumina grains: equilibrium and kinetics

Equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of tri-valent (arsenite) and penta-valent (arsenate) arsenic to activated alumina is elucidated. The properties of activated alumina, including porosity, specific surface area, and skeleton density were first measured. A batch reactor with temperature control was employed to determine both adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics for arsenite and arsenate to activated-alumina grains. The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm equations were then used to describe the partitioning behavior for the system at different pH. A pore diffusion model, coupled with the observed Freundlich or Langmuir isotherm equations, was used to interpret an observed experimental adsorption kinetic curve for arsenite at one specific condition. The model was found to fit with the experimental data fairly well, and pore diffusion coefficients can be extracted. The model, incorporated with the interpreted pore diffusion coefficient, was then employed to predict the experimental data for arsenite and arsenate at various conditions, including different initial arsenic concentrations, grain sizes of activated alumina, and system pHs. The model predictions were found to describe the experimental data fairly well, even though the tested conditions substantially differed from one another. The agreement among the models and experimental data indicated that the adsorption and diffusion of arsenate and arsenite can be simulated by the proposed model.     

Removal of lindane and malathion from wastewater using bagasse fly ash--a sugar industry waste

The bagasse fly ash, obtained from the local sugar industry, has been used as inexpensive and effective adsorbent for the removal of lindane and malathion from wastewater. The optimum contact needed to reach equilibrium was found to be 60 min. Maximum removal takes place at pH 6.0. The removal of the pesticides increases with an increase in adsorbent dose and decreases with adsorbent particle size. The optimum adsorbent dose is 5 g/l of particle size 200-250 microm. Removal of the two pesticides was achieved up to 97-98% under optimum conditions. The material exhibits good adsorption capacity and follows both Langmuir and Freundlich models. Thermodynamic parameters also indicate the feasibility of the process. The adsorption was found to be exothermic in nature. At lower concentrations, adsorption is controlled by film diffusion, while at higher concentrations, it is controlled by particle diffusion mechanisms. The adsorbent is a very useful and economic product for the removal of lindane and malathion.     

Studies on the efficiency of a local fertilizer waste as a low cost adsorbent

Waste slurry, generated in local fertilizer plants, is converted into activated carbon in air, steam and nitrogen atmospheres. Products so obtained have been characterized and utilized for the removal of phenols, especially 2,4-dinitrophenol. Investigations include the effect of pH, kinetics of adsorption and the effect of salts on the uptake of DNP. Carbon prepared in air exhibits good sorption capacity for DNP and the adsorption data follows both Langmuir and Freundlich models. Some experiments have also been performed with a view to recover phenols and have in situ regeneration of spent carbon column. It is observed that 5% NaOH removes almost 96% of phenol loaded on the carbon column and a treatment with 1 M HNO₃ reactivates the adsorbent particles which can be used for 6–10 cycles at a stretch.     

Kinetics of adsorption of Co(II) removal from water and wastewater by ion exchange resins

The capacity of ion exchange resins, IRN77 and SKN1, for removal of cobalt from aqueous solution has been investigated under different conditions namely initial solution pH, initial metal-ion concentration, and contact time. The equilibrium data obtained in this study have been found to fit both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption of Co(II) on these resins follows first-order reversible kinetics. The film diffusion of Co(II) in these ion exchange resins was shown to be the main rate limiting step. The studies showed that these cation exchange resins can be used as efficient adsorbent material for the removal of Co(II) from aqueous solutions.     

Effects of activated carbon characteristics on the simultaneous adsorption of aqueous organic micropollutants and natural organic matter

The overall objective of this research was to determine the effects of physical and chemical activated carbon characteristics on the simultaneous adsorption of trace organic contaminants and natural organic matter (NOM). A matrix of 12 activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with three activation levels and four surface chemistry levels (acid-washed, oxidized, hydrogen-treated, and ammonia-treated) was studied to systematically evaluate pore structure and surface chemistry phenomena. Also, three commercially available granular activated carbons (GACs) were tested. The relatively hydrophilic fuel additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and the relatively hydrophobic solvent trichloroethene (TCE) served as micropollutant probes. A comparison of adsorption isotherm data collected in the presence and absence of NOM showed that percent reductions of single-solute TCE and MTBE adsorption capacities that resulted from the presence of co-adsorbing NOM were not strongly affected by the chemical characteristics of activated carbons. However, hydrophobic carbons were more effective adsorbents for both TCE and MTBE than hydrophilic carbons because enhanced water adsorption on the latter interfered with the adsorption of micropollutants from solutions containing NOM. With respect to pore structure, activated carbons should exhibit a large volume of micropores with widths that are about 1.5 times the kinetic diameter of the target adsorbate. Furthermore, an effective adsorbent should possess a micropore size distribution that extends to widths that are approximately twice the kinetic diameter of the target adsorbate to prevent pore blockage/constriction as a result of NOM adsorption.     

Performance of activated carbon and bentonite for adsorption of amoxicillin from wastewater: Mechanisms, isotherms and kinetics

Amoxicillin's traces within pharmaceutical effluents have toxic impact toward the algae and other lower organisms within food web. Adsorption, as an efficient process to remove contaminants from water was chosen; in particular with bentonite and activated carbon as adsorbents. The study was carried out at several pH values. Langmuir and Freundlich models were then employed to correlate the equilibria data on which both models equally well-fit the data. For kinetic data, pseudo-first and second order models are selected. While chemisorption is the dominant adsorption mechanism on the bentonite case, both physisorption and chemisorption play important roles for adsorption onto activated carbon. Also, several possible mechanisms for these adsorption systems were elaborated further.     

Batch Pb2+ and Cu2+ removal by electric furnace slag

An evaluation of the application of electric furnace slag (EFS) as an adsorbent to remove Pb2+ and Cu2+ from industrial effluents is presented. The paper examines phase composition of EFS by using X-ray diffraction of powder. In the batch experiments, parameters studied include the effect of initial concentration of lead and copper ions, temperature, and contact time. Over the temperature range studied (293-313 K) the results of adsorption experiments could be fitted by using both Langmuir and Freundlich models and thermodynamic values of deltaG0, deltaH0 and deltaS0 corresponding to each adsorption process were calculated. Satisfactory conformity between experimental data and the model-predicted values was expressed by the correlation coefficient (R2). Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described the Pb2+ and Cu2+ sorption processes adequately, with correlation coefficient (R2) values ranging from 0.9760 to 0.9994. Data from this study indicated the potential use of the tested electric furnace slag, a by-product from "Felis" foundry in Sisak, Croatia, as Pb2+ and Cu2+ sorbents from the industrial effluents.     

Heavy metal complexation behavior in anaerobically digested sludges

Heavy metal interactions with anaerobically digested sludges have been examined by equilibrating sludge solids with solutions containing acetate salts of zinc, nickel copper, and cadmium over the range of pH from 5.0 to 8.0. The partitioning of the metals with the solids suggested chemisorptive behavior. Currently available adsorption isotherms could be used to describe this behavior if modified to incorporate effects due to hydrogen ion concentration. The Freundlich isotherm was superior to the Langmuir and Temkin isotherms.A comparison of Langmuir inhibition variations and Freundlich results suggests that weakly acidic ligands are involved in heavy metal complexation and that there exists a competition between the metal and hydrogen ions for these sites. Lowering the pH resulted in lower degrees of complexation.Stability constants were calculated from Langmuir isotherm results and are in the range of values calculated by others for heavy metal complexation with soil organic matter.     

Removal of lead from contaminated water bodies using sea nodule as an adsorbent

Adsorption of water soluble lead on polymetallic sea nodule has been studied in detail. Complete decontamination of lead is possible by appropriate sea nodule dosing. Adsorption is also dependent on pH and best adsorption is achieved at pH 6. Beyond pH 6, the desorption of lead from sea nodule surface is practically zero. Residual metal concentrations in the filtrate after adsorption is negligible. Both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms may reasonably explain adsorption of lead on sea nodule. Chemically bound moisture plays a very crucial role in lead adsorption. Lead adsorptive capability of sea nodule is practically destroyed when calcined at a temperature of 900 degrees C. Lead loading capacity of sea nodule has been estimated at 440 mg of lead per gram of sea nodule. The performance of sea nodule as a lead adsorbent has been successfully tested over six simulated lead contaminated water systems. Lead loading capacity of sea nodule compares favorably with other adsorbents like activated carbon, ion exchange resin, anionic clay, granulated blast furnace slag and natural and treated zeolites.     

改性炭对磺胺甲噁唑的吸附及解吸特性

采用商品活性炭和金属氧化物改性炭作为吸附剂,研究了几种活性炭对磺胺甲噁唑(SMZ)的吸附及解吸特性。结果表明:SMZ在几种活性炭上的吸附动力学符合拟二级动力学方程;SMZ的吸附均可采用Freundlich、Langmuir和Langmuir-Freundlich模型进行拟合,Langmuir-Freundlich吸附模型能更好地描述活性炭和改性炭对SMZ的吸附行为;铁、锰氧化物的存在对活性炭的比表面或者孔结构影响不大,并且其对活性炭吸附水中SMZ的性能影响甚微;与AC-Fe和AC-Mn相比,AC-0上吸附的SMZ更易解吸,改性炭负载的金属氧化物与SMZ的表面络合作用增强了AC-Fe和AC-Mn对SMZ的化学吸附,并且改性炭的MnOx和FeOx能氧化降解部分SMZ。