Batch and Column Adsorption of BOD and COD in Vegetable Oil Industry Effluents Using Activated Carbon from Fluted Pumpkin (<i>Telfairia, Occidentalis.</i> Hook. F) Seed Shell

Abstract

The use of waste to reduce pollution has been advocated by many researchers. In this study five samples of physically prepared fluted pumpkin seed shell activated carbons (PFACs) prepared elsewhere were successfully used in reducing Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of vegetable oil industry effluents (VOIE). BOD readings of effluent were measured using the Lovibon BOD IR Sensomat while COD was determined by use of PCcheckit COD Vario (Lovibond) consisting of PCcheckit COD Vario photometer and COD reactor ET 108 model. Batch adsorption had better performance (BOD and COD removal of 52 % to 83 %) over column adsorption (BOD 5 and COD removal of 35 % to 86 %). Batch adsorption gave better BOD and COD reduction. Though BOD and COD removal varied widely with carbon dose, pH, temperature and contact time the effects of theses factors investigated in the reduction of BOD and COD were complex and difficult to streamlined.

Efficacy of Mangrove (Rhizophora Mucronata) Roots Powder in Adsorption of Lead (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions: Equilibrium and Kinetics Studies

“…At low pH (< 3), there was excessive protonation of the active sites at mangrove roots surface and this often reduces the formation of links between metal ion and the active site. At moderate pH values (3)(4)(5)(6), linked H + is released from the active sites and adsorbed amount of metal ions is generally found to increase. At higher pH values (> 6), the precipitation is dominant or both ion exchange and aqueous metal hydroxide formation (not necessarily precipitation) may become significant mechanisms in the metal removal process.…”

“…Studies by [6] and [7] shows that treated wastewater is a major component of water resources required for addressing the needs of a growing economy. However, the greatest challenge in wastewater treatment is the adoption of low cost wastewater treatment technologies that maximizes the efficiency of wastewater treatment while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards [8].…”