Adsorption of Pb(II) by Peanut Hull Carbon from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Carbon prepared from peanut hulls (PHC) has been used for the adsorption of Pb(II) over a range of initial metal ion concentrations (10–20 mg/L), agitation times (5–140 minutes), adsorbent dosages (5–100 mg/100 mL), and pH values (1.5–10.0). Adsorption of Pb(II) obeyed the Langmuir isotherm. The applicability of the Lagergren kinetic model has also been investigated. Quantitative removal of 20 mg/L Pb(II) by 0.3 g carbon per liter aqueous solution was observed in the pH range of 3.0 to 10.0. A comparative study with a coal-based commercial granular activated carbon (CAC) showed that the adsorption capacity of PHC was 18 times larger than that of CAC.