ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM ELECTROPLATING WASTE WATER USING COCONUT SHELL ACTIVATED CARBON

Abstract

In the present work, copper removal from electroplating wastewater was investigated using a low cost activated carbon, carbonized and prepared from corncobs. Coconut shell activated carbon (CSAC) was characterized to understand the adsorption characteristics of copper ions and its physiochemical properties. The particle size of CSAC was in the range of 450-850 jtm. Proximate and ultimate analysis of CSAC showed the presence of high carbon content. BET surface area and pore volume were 400.006 m2/g and 0.23 cm3/g respectively. The effect of parameters such as temperature (T), adsorbent dose (w), pH and contact time (t) on adsorption of copper ions by CSAC was investigated. The pH 4.0 is found to be optimum for the removal of Cu(II) from wastewater by CSAC at an optimum dose of 15 Kglm3. Optimum value of contact - time is found as 5 hr. Various isotherm models were fitted for Cu(II) removal. Freundlich model well fitted to Cu(II) adsorption. Pseudo-second order kinetic model was well fitted for Cu(II). Thermodynamic parameters represent the exothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption.