Simultaneous Removal of COD, NH3-N, and Turbidity from Sanitary Landfill Leachate using CB-PAC Particles: Isotherm Modelling and Treatment Assessment

Abstract

This study aims to research the synchronous adsorption of COD, NH3-N, and turbidity from landfill leachate using coal-based powdered activated carbon (CB-PAC), examine its Langmuir adsorption capacities, and compare them to those of other commercial activated carbons. BET area and pore volume, FTIR spectra, SEM-EDX images, and zeta potential values of CB-PAC particles were investigated as well in order to comprehend the adsorption mechanism. Turbidity, NH3-N, and COD removal fit the Langmuir isotherm model due to their high correlation coefficients (R2 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99). The Langmuir capacities of CB-PAC particles for the concurrent adsorption of COD, NH3-N, and turbidity were revealed to be 500 mg O2/g, 17.5 mg/g, and 18 mg (NH2)2H2SO4/g. The optimum COD, NH3-N, and turbidity removal efficiencies at pH 5 were identified as 47.8%, 26.5%, and 51.8%, respectively. The CB-PAC particles' NH3-N and COD removal capacities were higher than other PAC particles reported in the literature. The strong adsorption capacities of the CB-PAC particles allow them to efficiently adsorb turbidity, NH3-N, and COD in the landfill leachate.