Adsorptive Removal of Pb(II) Ion from Aqueous Solution Using Rice Husk-Based Activated Carbon

Abstract

The potential of rice husk-based activated carbon as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Pb (II) ion from aqueous solution was investigated. Rice husk-based activated carbon was prepared via chemical activation process using NaOH followed by the carbonization process at 500°C. Morphological analysis was conducted using field-emission scanning electron microscope /energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX) on three samples, i.e. raw rice husk, rice husk treated with NaOH and rice husk-based activated carbon. These three samples were also analyzed for their C, H, N, O and Si contents using CHN elemental analyzer and FESEM/EDX. The textural properties of rice husk-based activated carbon, i.e. surface area (253 m2/g) and pore volume (0.17 cm2/g), were determined by N2 adsorption. The adsorption studies using rice husk-based activated carbon as an adsorbent to remove Pb (II) ion from aqueous solution were carried out at a fixed initial concentration of Pb (II) ion (150 ppm) with varying adsorbent dose as a function of contact time at room temperature. The concentration of Pb (II) ion was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The removal of Pb (II) ion from aqueous solution increased from 35 % to 82 % when the amount of rice husk-based activated carbon was increased from 0.05 g to 0.30 g. The equilibrium data obtained from adsorption studies was found to fit both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms.