Copper Metal Removal using Sludge Activated Carbon Derived from Wastewater Treatment Sludge

Ibrahim Umar Salihi,Hisyam Hussin Mohd Ismail,Shamsul Rahman Mohamed Kutty,M Raza Ul Mustafa,D Bayu Endrayana,M Latheef,N Zulaikha Bt Yusof,I Bin Othman

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201820303009

Ibrahim Umar Salihi, Hisyam Hussin Mohd Ismail + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201820303009

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Abstract

In Malaysia, according to perspective sludge production factor (SPF), wastewater treatment plants produces about 5.3 million m3 of sewage sludge annually, most of this sludge are being wasted (unused) in the landfills. This study employed the use of dry activated sludge as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper Cu (II) from wastewater. Adsorption of Cu (II) by sludge activated carbon (SAC) was conducted using batch tests. The effect of contact time and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cu (II)) from wastewater were investigated. Initial metal concentration was maintained at 100 mg/L. The removal efficiency was found to have relations with the initial Cu (II) concentration, contact time as well as the SAC dosage. The adsorption kinetics of the Cu (II) by SAC was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption process. The adsorption isotherms studies indicated that the adsorption of Cu (II) by SAC adsorbent was well described by Langmuir isotherm model having correlation of determination (R2) value of 0.9985 at 12hrs equilibrium period. Optimum conditions for Cu (II) removal was achieved at SAC dosages of 10 g/L, contact time 12 hours and at initial Cu (II) concentration of 100 mg/L, respectively. The study indicated that sludge activated carbon can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous solution.

Highlights

There has been a tremendous interest in the bio-adsorption approaches, from dry activated sludge which involving the process of converting sludge into dry activated carbon which are efficient in removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions
The removal efficiency gradually increased with contact time and equilibrium was reached after 12 h for the rest of the dosage
The present study shows that activated carbon produced from the sugarcane bagasse using tube furnace can be engaged as an environment friendly and low cost adsorbent for the removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution

Summary

Introduction

There has been a tremendous interest in the bio-adsorption approaches, from dry activated sludge which involving the process of converting sludge into dry activated carbon which are efficient in removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. With growth development in the country, the volume of wastewater generated increase annually and the volume of sludge produced from wastewater treatment process are proportionately increased This initiate so much worries to communities in Malaysia, based on perspective sludge production factor (SPF), about 5.3 million m3 of excess sludge is produced annum, this comprises of sludge produced from domestic and sewage companies such as households, universities hostels, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), respectively. Most of this sludge is being wasted in the landfill. Activated sludge is an effective biomaterial for biosorption or bioleaching of the metal ions such as Cu (II) from wastewater

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