The study was attempted to produce activated carbons from palm oil mil l effluent (POME) sludge. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbons produ ced was evaluated in aqueous solution of phenol. Two types of activation were fo llowed, namely, thermal activation at 300, 500 and 800℃, and physical activatio n at 150℃ (boiling treatment). A control (raw POME sludge) was used to compare the adsorption capacity of the activated carbons produced. The results indicated that the activation temperature of 800℃ showed maximum absorption capacity by the activated carbon (POME 800) in aqueous solution of phenol. Batch adsorption studies showed an equilibrium time of 6 h for the activated carbon of POME 800. It was observed that the adsorption capacity was higher at lower values of pH (2 —3) and higher value of initial concentration of phenol (200—300 mg/L). The eq uilibrium data were fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption of phenol onto the activated carbon POME 800 was studied in terms of pseudo- first and second order kinetics to predict the rate constant and equ ilibrium capacity with the effect of initial phenol concentrations. The rate of adsorption was found to be better correlation for the pseudo-second order kineti cs compared to the first order kinetics.
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