Adsorption technique for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater using low-cost natural adsorbent

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to use low-cost adsorbents, this achieves by using pine cones as plant waste adsorbents in the treatment of industrial wastewater. In the experimental work of this study, a system of PVC horizontal pipes of 15cm diameter and 600 cm length without membranes was used. The polluted water values discharged in the system were 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 L/hr. The effect of many hydraulic parameters (contact time, flow discharge, length of the pipe, and pressure) with environmental parameters (pH, TDS, TSS and electrical conductivity) was investigated in this continuous flow system. The sample of plant waste (pine cone) was treated and activated by ozonation, to manufacture new media with high porosity, activated carbon developed from pine cone (ACPC), and to determine the activity that produces the best results in the removal of heavy metals. To remove Fe+2 and Zn+2 ions from industrial wastewater, activated carbon was used as an adsorbent. Adsorption tests result in an exhibit that, the ACPC adsorbent had remarkable heavy metals removal efficiency. The most effective removal efficiency of 95% of Zn+2 was recorded at pH 7, 20 l/hr, and 5hrs. The higher removal efficiency of 96.67% of Fe+2 occurred at pH 6, 20 l/hr, and 5hr. The study also revealed that activated carbon devolved from pine cones can be adopted as a low-cost alternative for removing metal ions.