Heavy metals removal by adsorption onto peanut husks carbon

Abstract EN

Carbon prepared from peanut husks (PHC), which is derived from agricultural waste has been used for the adsorption of Cu+2, and Zn+2 from aqueous solutions.

Batch isotherm experiments were carried out to evaluate the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions ; Parameters such as pH, contact time, agitation speed, and initial metal concentration were studied to optimize the conditions to be utilized on a commercial scale for the decontamination of effluents using a batch adsorption technique.

The influence of pH of the metal ion solutions on the uptake levels of the metal ions by peanut husk charcoal (PHC) were carried out between pH 4 and pH.

11 The optimum pH for copper and zinc removal was 6 and 7, respectively.

Equilibrium time 2 h was required for the adsorption of Cu+2, and Zn+2 onto peanut husk charcoal.

Adsorption parameters were determined using both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, but experimental data were better fitted to the Langmuir equation than to Freundlich equation, and therefore, it is more suitable for the analysis of kinetics.

The results obtained from batch experiments adsorption were used to remove metal ions by column to be utilized on a commercial scale.

Break through curves were obtained to investigate the influence of flow rate, and the bed height of the three different adsorbents on the removal of Cu+2, and Zn+2 ions.

The fixed capital investment cost of the proposed column was L.E.

2500, and the annual operating cost was L.

E.

5500.