Effect of pore size and morphology of activated charcoal prepared from midribs of Elaeis guineensis on adsorption of poisons using metronidazole and Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a case study

Abstract

Agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis mid ribs can provide a veritable source of materials which can be used as precursor materials for the production of pharmaceutical grade activated charcoal. The pore size and surface morphology of activated charcoal defines the types of molecules that could be adsorbed unto it, as surface morphology plays a significant role in determining the surface availability and areas of adsorption.The activated charcoal samples prepared from Elaeis guineensis via either physical or chemical activation was characterized via surface area using the BET method and subsequently pore structure and size analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Physically activated Elaeis guineensis fronds activated with nitrogen gas had wide spread microporosity with micropore volume of 0.232 cc/g compared to the chemically activated with 1M and 3M phosphoric acid respectively. The commercial activated charcoal/metronidazole combination in the in vitro-pharmacodynamic model reflected no re-growth after 4 hours, however for charcoal formulated from Elaeis guineensis via chemical activation with 3M phosphoric acid and metronidazole no regrowth was seen at the second hour and this was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment.Increased macroporosity enhanced bacterial adsorption and this was further facilitated by the presence of antibacterial metronidazole in the in vitro pharmacodynamic model. Activated charcoal produced from agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis dried mid ribs consisting of increased macroporosity with mixed meso/micro porosity and antibacterial metronidazole form the best model for bacterial adsorption and will be useful in the treatment of diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7.

Production of activated carbon by using pyrolysis process in an ammonia atmosphere

“…Activated carbon has been extensively used as a material for energy storage due to large surface area, stable, easily polarized, amphoteric character, accessibility, relatively low cost and environmentally friendly [17]. It has been also used for filter of impurity elements [13] absorbent [18].…”

Evaluation of adsorption capacity of acetaminophen on activated charcoal dosage forms available in Nigeria by <i>in vitro</i> adsorption studies and scanning electron microscopy

“…Into the respective dissolution vessels varying quantities of activated charcoal (either as tablets, capsules or as the powder) were introduced in the required adsorbent:adsorbate ratio already predetermined. At specific time intervals, aliquots were withdrawn, filtered thrice, and suitably diluted before being analyzed at 244 nm using a Distek ® Dissolution system 21000 UV-visible spectrophotometer [20]. Activated charcoal in the different dosage forms were subsequently introduced into the dissolution vessels in the absence of acetaminophen, aliquots were withdrawn from the dissolution medium, filtered thrice, before being analyzed at 244 nm.…”

“…Using the method described by Ilomuanya et al [20] surface area was determined Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method. Ten grams of the commercial samples were vortexed in distilled water thrice to remove the excipients on the surface of the charcoal and subsequently dried at 60 o C. Each of three activated carbon samples (0.2 g) were weighed and degassed under vacuum (300mmHg) until the pressure was stable at 6×10 -6 torr.…”

Preparation and Characteristics of Highly Microporous Activated Carbon Derived From Empty Fruit Bunch of Palm Oil Using Koh Activation

“…The important physical properties such surface area and porosity can impact the quality and utility of activated carbon as the adsorbent. 1,2 Physical properties play important roles in purification and separation process which mostly used in industrial and environmental applications. The specific surface area was commonly used for separation and purification, wastewater treatments, capacitors and catalyst supports.…”