Utilization of fruit processing industry waste as green activated carbon for the treatment of heavy metals and chlorophenols contaminated water. (20th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pap, Sabolč; Šolević Knudsen, Tatjana; Radonić, Jelena; Maletić, Snežana; Igić, Saša M.; Turk Sekulić, Maja
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 162(2017)
• Page Start: 958
• Page End: 972
• Publication Date: 2017-09-20
• Subjects: Activated carbon -- Green technology -- Wastewater treatment -- Heavy metal -- Chlorophenol -- Plum stone; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.06.083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Plum stones, as a part of industrial and municipal organic waste, were used as a precursor for preparation of a low-cost activated carbon. Engineered, thermochemically-modified adsorbent was used to remove lead (Pb 2+ ), cadmium (Cd 2+ ), nickel (Ni 2+ ) and chlorophenols from an aqueous solution. The characterization of the medium was performed using standard instrumental analysis. Additionally, the assessment included the influence of pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, contact time and initial metal concentration on the separation efficiency in the batch-operational mode. With optimal working conditions, the process efficiency of over 95% was accomplished. The equilibrium and kinetic studies of adsorption were done. The pseudo-second order model described the adsorption kinetics best. The maximum adsorption capacity of the engineered adsorbent for Pb 2+, Cd 2+ and Ni 2+ ions was calculated from the Langmuir isotherms and found to be 172.43 mg g −1, 112.74 mg g −1 and 63.74 mg g −1, respectively. Preliminary results indicate a strong affinity of the separation medium for chlorophenols. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy were calculated. Regeneration of the saturated adsorbent was conducted, with diluted phosphoric acid produced as a waste stream, during the washing of the adsorbent after activation. Based on the desorption study results, the activated carbon was successfully regenerated in 3 cycles. Mutual influence of ions was analyzed in multicomponent systems. The real system production and operational costs analysis confirmed a possibility for a successful implementation of the highly efficient, eco-friendly engineered adsorbent in the field of cost-effective wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Heavy metals and chlorophenols removal on green-activated carbon were studied. High specific surface area (879 m 2 g −1 ) activated carbon was prepared. The adsorption capacity with 172.43 mg g −1 mainly depends on the surface chemistry. A novel activated carbon could be applied into wastewater treatment. Our approach is simple and inexpensive with the production cycle without any waste.