Adsorption of zinc(II) from an aqueous solution onto activated carbon.

Adsorption isotherms were measured experimentally for Zn(II) adsorption from aqueous solution onto commercial activated carbons C, F-400, F-300 and Centaur HSL in a batch adsorber. The effects of carbon type and solution pH on adsorption isotherms were evaluated in this work. Nearly three times as much Zn(II) adsorbed onto C carbon as on the other three carbon types. The adsorption isotherm for Zn(II) was dependent on solution pH since Zn(II) did not adsorb to carbon below pH 2, and the adsorption isotherm increased as pH increased from 3 to 7. The adsorption isotherm of Zn(II) on C carbon was temperature independent while on F-400 the isotherm showed unusual behavior as temperature increased.     

Sequestration of nickel from aqueous solution onto activated carbon prepared from Parthenium hysterophorus L

In the present study, nickel removal efficiency of sulphuric acid-treated Parthenium carbon (SWC) from simulated wastewater has been investigated. Batch mode adsorption experiments have been conducted by varying pH, nickel concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time. Ni(II) removal was pH-dependent and found to be maximum at pH 5.0. The maximum removal of Ni(II) was achieved within 4h after the start of every experiment. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models to evaluate the model parameters. Both models represented the experimental data satisfactorily. The monolayer adsorption capacities of SWC as obtained from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 17.24 mg/g. The Lagergren first-order model was less applicable than pseudo-second-order reaction model. The adsorbent was also characterized including infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The FT-IR study indicated the presence of OH, CH, CO and CO groups in the adsorbent.     

Adsorption dynamics of chlorinated hydrocarbons from multi-component aqueous solution onto activated carbon

The results and a numerical simulation of studies on dynamics of the adsorption from seven-component aqueous solution of light chlorinated hydrocarbons on activated carbon have been presented. Aqueous solution of 1,2-dichloroethane (12DCE), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (S-TET), chloroform (CHCl(3)), carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)), 1,1-dichloroethene (VDC), perchloroethene (PER) and 1,1,2-trichloroethene (TRI) was used. Concentrations of chlorohydrocarbons were similar as in wastewater from vinyl chloride plant. A cell model that incorporates the diffusion through a laminar layer of liquid around a particle was used to describe the experimental results. The applied calculation methods, which take kinetics into account, allows to well describe a phenomenon of dynamic adsorption. Mean relative deviations between the experimental and calculated values amounted 17%. The breakthrough curves become steeper along with an increase of the bed height. A consistency of the experimental results with those calculated indicates for a negligible contribution of the axial diffusion on the dynamic adsorption process of light chlorinated hydrocarbons from aqueous solution under the hydrodynamic conditions corresponding to the Reynolds number equal to 1.3. Determined optimal bed height for waste linear flow rate-15 cm/min is in the range 80-120 cm.     

Adsorption of malachite green from aqueous solution onto carbon prepared from Arundo donax root

Arundo donax root carbon (ADRC), a new adsorbent, was prepared from Arundo donax root by carbonization. The surface area of the adsorbent was determined 158 m²/g by N₂ adsorption isotherm. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution using ADRC as adsorbent. The effects of various parameters such as solution pH (3–10), carbon dose (0.15–1.0 g/100 ml) and initial MG concentration (10–100 mg/l) on the adsorption system were investigated. The effective pH was 5–7 and the optimum adsorbent dose was found to be 0.6 g/100 ml. Equilibrium experimental data at 293, 303 and 313 K were better represented by Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich isotherm using linear and non-linear methods. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG, ΔH and ΔS were also calculated. The negative Gibbs free energy change and the positive enthalpy change indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption. The adsorption equilibrium time was 180 min. Adsorption kinetics was determined using pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model and intraparticle diffusion model. The results showed that the adsorption of MG onto ADRC followed pseudo-second-order model.     

Adsorption of p-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions onto activated carbon fiber

The adsorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP) onto activated carbon fiber (ACF) was investigated in simulated wastewater in a batch system to evaluate the effects of solution pH, presence of sodium chloride, adsorbent doses and temperature. It was found that PNP adsorption amount depended on pH, sodium chloride content, adsorbent doses and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the adsorption isotherms. Freundlich model agreed with experimental data well, indicating the possibility of more than just one monomolecular layer of coverage. SEM photographs of ACF before and after adsorption revealed that it was in part with multimolecular layers of coverage on ACF surfaces. The change of free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of adsorption were also evaluated for the adsorption process. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Attempts were made to desorb PNP from ACF using dilute NaOH solution and water, and desorption efficiency was obtained to the extent of 92.7% with 0.025 M NaOH and water at 368 K.     

Adsorption characteristics of Cu(II) and Pb(II) onto expanded perlite from aqueous solution

The adsorption characteristics of Cu(II) and Pb(II) onto expanded perlite (EP) from aqueous solution were investigated with respect to the changes in pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature of solution. For the adsorption of both metal ions, the Langmuir isotherm model fitted to equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm model. Using the Langmuir model equation, the monolayer adsorption capacity of EP was found to be 8.62 and 13.39 mg/g for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm model was also applied to the equilibrium data and the mean free energies of adsorption were found as 10.82 kJ/mol for Cu(II) and 9.12 kJ/mol for Pb(II) indicating that the adsorption of both metal ions onto EP was taken place by chemical ion-exchange. Thermodynamic functions, the change of free energy (DeltaG degrees ), enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ) and entropy (DeltaS degrees ) of adsorption were also calculated for each metal ions. These parameters showed that the adsorption of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions onto EP was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 20-50 degrees C. Experimental data were also evaluated in terms of kinetic characteristics of adsorption and it was found that adsorption process for both metal ions followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

Adsorption of Zn(II) in aqueous solution by activated carbons prepared from evergreen oak (Quercus rotundifolia L.)

In the present work activated carbons have been prepared from evergreen oak wood. Different samples have been prepared varying the concentration of the activating agent (H(3)PO(4)) and the treatment temperature. The yield of the process decreases with increasing phosphoric acid concentrations. Furthermore, high concentrations of activating agent lead to mainly mesoporous activated carbons to the detriment of the microporous texture. Treatment temperatures up to 450 degrees C lead to a progressive increase of the micro- and mesopore volumes. Values of specific surface area (S(BET)) as high as 1723 m(2) g(-1)have been obtained using appropriate phosphoric acid concentrations and treatment temperatures. The samples prepared have been successfully used in the removal of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. From the adsorption kinetic data it may be stated that the equilibrium time is, in all cases, below 170 h. The adsorption process as a rule becomes faster as the mesopore volume and specific surface area of the samples increase. The adsorption isotherms in liquid phase point out that the adsorption capacity (n(0)(s)) and the affinity towards the solute (K(ci)) are higher for the sample showing the most developed mesoporous texture and surface area as well.     

Adsorption of bisphenol-A from aqueous solution onto minerals and carbon adsorbents

The adsorption behaviors of bisphenol-A, which has been listed as one of endocrine disrupting chemicals, from aqueous solution onto four minerals including andesite, diatomaceous earth, titanium dioxide, and activated bleaching earth, and two activated carbons with coconut-based and coal-based virgins were examined in this work. Based on the adsorption results at the specified conditions, the adsorption capacities of activated carbons are significantly larger than those of mineral adsorbents, implying that the former is effective for removal of the highly hydrophobic adsorbate from the aqueous solution because of its high surface area and low surface polarity. The adsorption capacities of bisphenol-A onto these mineral adsorbents with different pore properties are almost similar in magnitude mainly due to the weakly electrostatic interaction between the mineral surface with negative charge and the target adsorbate with hydrophobic nature. Further, a simplified kinetic model, pseudo-second-order, was tested to investigate the adsorption behaviors of bisphenol-A onto the two common activated carbons at different solution conditions. It was found that the adsorption process could be well described with the pseudo-second-order model. The kinetic parameters of the model obtained in the present work are in line with the pore properties of the two adsorbents.     

Adsorption of bisphenol A from aqueous solution onto activated carbons with different modification treatments

Two commercial carbons (W20 and F20) had been selectively modified with nitric acid and thermal treatment under a flow of N(2) in present study to adsorb bisphenol A from aqueous solution. The results indicated that the experimental data were well described with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. W20 and its thermal modified sample (W20N) represented a better adsorption capacity, and the equilibrium adsorption amounts reached 382.12 and 432.34 mg/g, respectively. Further, effects of temperature, pH and ionic strength on bisphenol A adsorption onto W20 and W20N had been examined. It was found that the adsorbed amount of bisphenol A decreased with the increase of temperature from 288 to 318 K and changed little with the increase of pH from 5.0 to 9.0. At pH 11.0, the two activated carbons represented the weakest adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacities of bisphenol A onto W20 and W20N first decreased and then increased with the increasing of ionic strength.     

Removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from biomass material

Activated carbon derived from rattan sawdust (ACR) was evaluated for its ability to remove phenol from an aqueous solution in a batch process. Equilibrium studies were conducted in the range of 25–200 mg/L initial phenol concentrations, 3–10 solution pH and at temperature of 30 °C. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 149.25 mg/g. The dimensionless separation factor R_L revealed the favorable nature of the isotherm of the phenol-activated carbon system. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption process. The results proved that the prepared activated carbon was an effective adsorbent for removal of phenol from aqueous solution.     

Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions from aqueous solutions by mustard husk

The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions on mustard husk has been found to be concentration, pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature dependent. The adsorption parameters were determined using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption isotherm studies clearly indicated that the adsorptive behavior of Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions on mustard husk satisfies not only the Langmuir assumptions but also the Freundlich assumptions, i.e. multilayer formation on the surface of the adsorbent with an exponential distribution of site energy. Ion exchange and surface complexation are the major adsorption mechanisms involved.

The applicability of Lagergren kinetic model has also been investigated. Thermodynamic constant (k_ad), free energy change (ΔG), enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were calculated for predicting the nature of adsorption. The results indicate the potential application of this method for effluent treatment in industries and also provide strong evidence to support the adsorption mechanism proposed.     

Adsorption of Paraquat dichloride from aqueous solution by activated carbon derived from used tires

The removal of pesticide from wastewater under different batch experimental conditions, using a car tire derived activated carbon was investigated. The pesticide utilized in the study was Paraquat dichloride (1,1-dimethyl-4,4-bipyridyl dichloride), which is a well known herbicide. The adsorbent was produced from the pyrolysis and activation of used tires (TAC). The performances of this adsorbent and a commercial activated carbon F300 (CAC) have been compared. It was determined that the adsorption of Paraquat was weakly pH dependent. The effects of particle size, carbon dosage, temperature and the initial concentration of the Paraquat were studied. Further experiments investigating the regeneration capabilities of the tire-supplied carbon were performed. The regenerated carbons that were washed with basic pH solution were found to have the best sorption capacity recovery. It was found that the rate of sorption of Paraquat onto the carbon is very fast with almost 90% of the maximum possible adsorption taking place in the first 5 min. Nevertheless, the batch sorption kinetics was fitted for a first-order reversible reaction, a pseudo-first-order reaction and a pseudo-second-order reaction. The pseudo-second-order chemical reaction model appears to provide the best correlation. The applicability of the Langmuir isotherm for the present system has been evaluated at different temperatures. The isotherms show that the sorption capacity of CAC decreases with temperature and the dominant mechanism of CAC adsorption is physical sorption.     

Adsorption behavior of Co(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes

Adsorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes (TNTs) synthesized by hydrothermal method in single and binary systems was investigated. The prepared TNTs were completely characterized showing very high surface area compared to previous studies (320 m²/g). The high surface area showed very good optimum removal conditions compared with previous studies (60 min contact time, 0.1 g TNTs dose at pH 5 and room temperature) with high adsorption capacity compared with previous studies as well as conventional adsorbent. Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models were fitted during this study and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich isotherms showed physisorption with exclusion of ion exchange mechanism. Pseudo first and second-order kinetics were studied showing more fitting to pseudo second-order equation. Binary system and calculation of separation coefficient showed high ability for Co²⁺ adsorption by TNTs than Ni⁺² in binary system.     

Kinetics of adsorption of dyes from aqueous solution using activated carbon prepared from waste apricot

Adsorbent (WA11Zn5) has been prepared from waste apricot by chemical activation with ZnCl(2). Pore properties of the activated carbon such as BET surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, and pore diameter were characterized by N(2) adsorption and DFT plus software. Adsorption of three dyes, namely, Methylene Blue (MB), Malachite Green (MG), Crystal Violet (CV), onto activated carbon in aqueous solution was studied in a batch system with respect to contact time, temperature. The kinetics of adsorption of MB, MG and CV have been discussed using six kinetic models, i.e., the pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order model, the Elovich equation, the intraparticle diffusion model, the Bangham equation, the modified Freundlich equation. Kinetic parameters and correlation coefficients were determined. It was shown that the second-order kinetic equation could describe the adsorption kinetics for three dyes. The dyes uptake process was found to be controlled by external mass transfer at earlier stages (before 5 min) and by intraparticle diffusion at later stages (after 5 min). Thermodynamic parameters, such as DeltaG, DeltaH and DeltaS, have been calculated by using the thermodynamic equilibrium coefficient obtained at different temperatures and concentrations. The thermodynamics of dyes-WA11Zn5 system indicates endothermic process.     

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of polyvinyl alcohol from aqueous solution on powdered activated carbon

In this study, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was used to remove polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) from the aqueous PVA solution. The adsorption kinetics has been studied pertaining to various initial PVA concentration and PAC dosage. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the second-order kinetics with good correlation. Boyd plot confirmed that external mass transfer was the rate-limiting step in the sorption process. The adsorption isotherm obtained resembled with H-type of isotherm, which indicated a high affinity of the solute for the sorption sites. The Freundlich model appeared to fit the isotherm data better than the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters such as Delta H degrees , Delta S degrees and Delta G degrees were evaluated from the slope and intercept of linear plot of log Kc against (1/T) x 1000. The change in entropy (DeltaS degrees ) and heat of adsorption (Delta H degrees ) of PAC was estimated as 1.45 kJ mol(-1)K(-1) and 365 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The free energy of the adsorption at all temperatures was negative indicating a spontaneous process. The maximum PVA removal of 92% was obtained at a pH of 6.3 and contact time of 30 min for an adsorbent dose of 5 g/L.     

Sorption of Cd(II) and Se(IV) from aqueous solution using modified rice husk

A carbonaceous sorbent was prepared from rice husk via sulfuric acid treatment. Removal of Cd(II) and Se(IV) from aqueous solution was studied varying time, pH, metal concentration, temperature and sorbent status (wet and dry). Cd(II) sorption was found fast reaching equilibrium within approximately 2 h while Se(IV) sorption was slow reaching equilibrium within approximately 200 h with better performance for the wet sorbent than for the dry. Kinetics data for both metals were found to follow pseudo-second order model. Cd(II) sorption was low at low pH values and increased with pH increase, however, Se(IV) sorption was high at low pH values, and decreased with the rise in initial pH until pH 7. A fall in the final pH was noticed with Cd(II) sorption due to the release of protons indicating an ion exchange mechanism. However, for Se(IV) sorption, a rise in the final pH was observed due to protons consumption in the process. For both metals, sorption fit well the Langmuir equation with higher uptake by rising the temperature. Analysis by scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction for the sorbent after the reaction with acidified Se(IV) confirmed the availability of elemental selenium, Se(0), as particles on the sorbent surface. The reduction process of acidified Se(IV) to Se(0) is accompanied by surface oxidation. Physicochemical tests showed an increase in sorbent acidity, cation exchange capacity and surface functionality after the reaction with acidified Se(IV) indicating that oxidation processes took place on the sorbent surface. On the other hand, no changes in physicochemical tests were found after Cd(II) sorption indicating the absence of redox processes between Cd(II) and the sorbent.     

Magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4) impregnated onto tea waste for the removal of nickel(II) from aqueous solution

The removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution by magnetic nanoparticles prepared and impregnated onto tea waste (Fe(3)O(4)-TW) from agriculture biomass was investigated. Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4)) were prepared by chemical precipitation of a Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) salts from aqueous solution by ammonia solution. These magnetic nanoparticles of the adsorbent Fe(3)O(4) were characterized by surface area (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The effects of various parameters, such as contact time, pH, concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature were studied. The kinetics followed is first order in nature, and the value of rate constant was found to be 1.90×10(-2) min(-1) at 100 mg L(-1) and 303 K. Removal efficiency decreases from 99 to 87% by increasing the concentration of Ni(II) in solution from 50 to 100 mg L(-1). It was found that the adsorption of Ni(II) increases by increasing temperature from 303 to 323 K and the process is endothermic in nature. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich equation, and the Langmuir adsorption capacity, Q°, was found to be (38.3)mgg(-1). The results also revealed that nanoparticle impregnated onto tea waste from agriculture biomass, can be an attractive option for metal removal from industrial effluent.     

Adsorption of EDTA on activated carbon from aqueous solutions

In this study, the adsorption of EDTA on activated carbon from aqueous solutions has been investigated in a batch stirred cell. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of temperature, EDTA concentration, pH, activated carbon mass and particle size on EDTA adsorption. The experimental results manifest that the EDTA adsorption rate increases with its concentration in the aqueous solutions. EDTA adsorption also increases with temperature. The EDTA removal from the solution increases as activated carbon mass increases. The Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm models are found to provide a good fitting of the adsorption data, with R(2) = 0.9920 and 0.9982, respectively. The kinetic study shows that EDTA adsorption on the activated carbon is in good compliance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters (E(a), ΔG(0), ΔH(0), ΔS(0)) obtained indicate the endothermic nature of EDTA adsorption on activated carbon.     

Comparisons of adsorbent cost for the removal of zinc (II) from aqueous solution by carbon nanotubes and activated carbon

The reversibility of Zn2+ sorption onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and powdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated to evaluate their repeated availability performance in water treatment. Under the same conditions, the Zn2+ sorption capacity of SWCNTs and MWCNTs was more than that of PAC and could be maintained after several cycles of water treatment and regeneration. A statistical analysis on the replacement cost of these adsorbents based on the best-fit regression of the measured equilibrium capacity of each water treatment cycle was also conducted. The results revealed that the SWCNTs and MWCNTs could be reused through a large number of water treatment cycles and thus appear cost-effective in spite of their high unit cost at the present time.     

Removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto acid-activated palygorskite

A series of activated palygorskite clay by HCl with different concentrations was prepared and applied as adsorbents for removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosages and pHs of suspension on the adsorption capacities for Cu(II) were investigated. The results showed that adsorption capacity of activated palygorskites increased with increasing the HCl concentration and the maximum adsorption capacity with 32.24 mg/g for Cu(II) is obtained at 12 mol/L of HCl concentration. The variations in IR spectra and pH of solution after adsorption Cu(II) confirmed that the numerous amount of silanol groups (Si-OH) originated by acid treatment were mainly responsible for Cu(II) adsorption onto acid-activated palygorskite. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption mechanisms in the Cu(II)/acid-activated palygorskite system followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a relatively small contribution of film diffusion. Equilibrium data fitted well with Freundlich isotherm model compared to Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that adsorption takes place on heterogeneous surfaces of the acid-activated palygorskite. Adsorption-desorption studies presented that activated palygorskite has lower adsorption and desorption efficiencies using Cu(CH3COO)2 than that of other inorganic copper salts, such as CuSO4, Cu(NO3)2, and CuCl2.