REMOVAL OF p-NITROPHENOL FROM SYNTHETIC WASTE WATER BY ADSORPTION

Abstract

Batch adsorption experiments were performed for the removal of hazardous and toxic organic compound 4-nitrophenol. Adsorption was carried out with the help of activated carbon. Apricot stones were used as a raw material for the preparation of low cost activated carbon. Two types of activating agents were used, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Characterization of carbon samples prepared was done. There potential for adsorption of 4-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions was studied. Optimum conditions were found out by varying process parameters. From the different isothermal models examined for the experimental data Redlich-Peterson isothermal model resembled data the best. Almost 99% removal was observed for high doses of activated carbon. From the study it was clear that apricot stones can be a promising raw material for preparation of low cost activated carbon for removal of 4-nitrophenol from industrial waste water using adsorption.