Adsorptive Removal of Heavy Metals from Refinery Waste Water Using Activated Carbon Produced From Palm Kernel Shell

摘要

In this study activated carbon produced locally from palm kernel shell (waste)was tested for the removal of target heavy metal contaminants ina mixed solution (refinery waste water).Batch adsorption experiments were performed to ascertain the effectiveness of the activated carbon in the removal of heavy metals (Cr, Cu 2+ , Fe 2+ , Pb 2+ , Zn 2+ ) in the mixed solution of waste waterobtained from the Port-Harcourt Refinery Company. Batch adsorption experiments were also conducted to study the effects of adsorbent dosage, particle size of adsorbent and contact time. The activated carbon was found effective in the removal of heavy metals in the mixed solution. The optimum adsorbent dosage, particle size and co ntact time were found to be 1g, 75 m . and 120mins respectively. The study also showed that activated carbon prepared from palm kernel shell can be efficiently used as low cost alternative for metal ions removal.