Application of Activated Carbon Nanosilica Composite for Heavy Metal and Organic Matter Removals

Abstract

Contamination of water sources is a prevalent issue in some parts of the world. The threat of heavy metal ions and organic materials entering sources of drinking water has grown with mankind’s expanding industrialization. Heavy metal ions, such as nickel, are typically byproducts of metal finishing, and mining. When these ions are introduced into a water source, they can cause health issues in affected populations. These can range from developmental challenges in young or unborn children, to the development of certain types of cancers. Similarly, organic materials like methylene blue are byproducts of pharmaceutical and dye producing industries. Once these organic materials have entered the water in sufficient concentrations, consumption can lead to respiratory sickness and cancer. In addition, methylene blue are harmful to both marine and plant life as they can disrupt photosynthesis, stunt plant growth, and inhibit basic functions. With the contamination of water sources becoming more prevalent, new solutions are required to solve this problem. Activated carbon and zeolite are two cheap materials that have shown promise in use as contaminant removers. The price and commercial availability of these compounds could assist in promoting their accessibility in economically disadvantaged areas. Solid phase extractor is the most economical and effective method. Therefore, nanomaterials as adsorbents have been used in environmental remediation and in improving many other areas related to energy, catalysis, biomaterials and sensing applications [1-27].The aim of this study is to synthesize and investigate the effectiveness of inorganic adsorbent such as zeolite and organic based adsorbent such as activated carbon and its composite between zeolite and activation carbon. These different adsorbents have been used for removal of organic pollutants and heavy metal contaminants. The absorption efficiency of these materials were monitored by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. For example, zeolite, activated carbon and the composite adsorbed 54%, 37% and 48% of nickel from water, respectively.