Batch and Column Adsorption of BOD and COD in Vegetable Oil Industry Effluents Using Activated Carbon from Fluted Pumpkin (<i>Telfairia, Occidentalis.</i> Hook. F) Seed Shell

Abstract

The use of waste to reduce pollution has been advocated by many researchers. In this study five samples of physically prepared fluted pumpkin seed shell activated carbons (PFACs) prepared elsewhere were successfully used in reducing Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of vegetable oil industry effluents (VOIE). BOD readings of effluent were measured using the Lovibon BOD IR Sensomat while COD was determined by use of PCcheckit COD Vario (Lovibond) consisting of PCcheckit COD Vario photometer and COD reactor ET 108 model. Batch adsorption had better performance (BOD and COD removal of 52 % to 83 %) over column adsorption (BOD5 and COD removal of 35 % to 86 %). Batch adsorption gave better BOD and COD reduction. Though BOD and COD removal varied widely with carbon dose, pH, temperature and contact time the effects of theses factors investigated in the reduction of BOD and COD were complex and difficult to streamlined.