Investigation of Copper removal mechanisms on Quercus robur acorn caps: Equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamic and characterization studies

Abstract

Intended for human consumption water resources are rapidly decreased due to overuse, global warming and also polluting by pollutants. Metal concentrations are generally removed by precipitation, adsorption, biosorption and some chemical reactions in the receiving water media. Therefore, polluted waters by metals are caused to rarely toxic effects in living things in high concentrations. Metal polluted waters are generally caused to esthetic and cosmetic effects. Adsorption is one of the commonly used methods for metal removal. In recent years, researches about natural low cost adsorbents are increased. Factors such as modification and electricity costs increase the cost of adsorbent. In this study, dry acorn caps of Quercus robur were used as non-modify natural adsorbent. The batch experiments were carried out to removal of copper in water that has initial low concentration by prepared natural adsorbent. It was performed equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamic studies and moreover adsorbent characterization studies with using SEM + EDX and XRD methods. It was found the removal efficiency was 84%, and adsorption capacity was 0.336 mg/g. This paper is aimed to expressing the affecting factors of adsorption mechanism at the removal of copper in water. This paper is expressing the affecting factors of a non-modify natural adsorbent's adsorption mechanism at the removal of copper in water which has initial low concentration. As a consequence, it has been seen that acorn caps of Quercus robur due to contained tannins highly effects adsorption mechanism, and it may be used of copper removal.