ADSORPTION OF Zn (II), C u (II), P b (II), F e (II) AND C r (III) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM MUNG POD SHELLS

Abstract

The performance of Mung Pod Shell activated carbon (MPSAC) for the adsorption of Zn 2+ ,Cu 2+ ,Pb 2+ Fe 2+ , and Cr 3+ ions was studied through batch technique. MPSAC were prepared by carbonization followed by activation. Mung Pod Shells were activated with 2N H2SO4 and 10% KOH solution at 100°C. The optimum adsorption conditions were specified as a function of contact time, initial metal ion concentration and pH. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were observed to fit the equilibrium data and the model parameters were calculated using linearized equations. The adsorption capacities were 13.32 mg/g (Zn 2+ ), 18.80 mg/g (Cu 2+ ), 19.68 mg/g (Pb 2+ ), 37.29 mg/g (Fe 2+ ) and 20.72mg/g (Cr 3+ ). The results showed that MPSAC is an economically feasible and environment friendly material for removal of Zn 2+ ,Cu 2+ , Pb 2+ , Fe 2+ and Cr 3+ from industrial effluents.