A Comparative Study on the Removal of Lead From Aqueous Solution by Adsorption Using Palialthia Seed Shell Carbon

摘要

The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon prepared from palialthia seed shell by carbonization of palialthia seed shell with sulphuric acid followed by treatment with sodium bicarbonate solution has been used for adsorption of lead(II) from aqueous solution. The characteristics of carbon, such as moisture content, ash content, apparent density, matter soluble in acid and water, pH, decolourising power and ion exchange capacity were found out. In order to understand the adsorption behaviour and adsorption potential, batch type experiments, such as equilibration time, pH and adsorbent dosage were found. Des-orption study was carried out to elucidate the mechanism of adsorption. Regeneration was found to be maximum for 1N HCI. The adsorption data fits better with Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The 'n' values ranging between 0-10 shows good adsorption capacity of the adsorbents. Quantitative removal of lead(II) was noticed to an extent of 78%, 76%, and 60% for bicarbonate treated palialthia seed shell carbon(BPASC), sulphuric acid treated palialthia seed shell carbon(SPASC) and commercially available carbon (CAC), respectively. The influence of pH and adsorbent dosage on lead(II) removal was significant. Column studies have been conducted to compare these with the batch process.