Abstract
The goal of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using activated coal-based activated carbon (CBAC) to adsorb Pb(II) from aqueous solutions through batch tests. Effects of contact time, pH, temperature and initial Pb(II) concentration on the Pb(II) adsorption were examined. The Pb(II) adsorption is strongly dependent on pH, but insensitive to temperature. The best pH for Pb(II) removal is in the range of 5.0–5.5 with more than 90 % of Pb(II) removed. The equilibrium time was found to be 60 min and the adsorption data followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Isotherm data followed Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 162.33 mg/g. The adsorption was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that CBAC possessed a porous structure and was rich in carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on its surface, which might play a major role in Pb(II) adsorption. These findings indicated that CBAC has great potential as an alternative adsorbent for Pb(II) removal.
Highlights
Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring poisonous metal found in the Earth’s crust
Its widespread application has led to extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and remarkable public health problems
The Boehm titration result showed that the coal-based activated carbon (CBAC) surface was rich in carboxylic, lactone, and phenol groups
Summary
Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring poisonous metal found in the Earth’s crust. Because of its softness, high malleability, ductility, low melting point and resistance to corrosion, it is widely used in the production of lead acid batteries, alloys, solder, pigments, cable sheathing, rust inhibitors, glazes, ammunition, and plastic stabilizers (Deng et al 2007). When lead is accidentally inhaled or ingested into the body, it causes serious diseases and permanent damages to human health (ATSDR 2013). Infants and children are very sensitive to the poisonous effects of lead and can suffer far-reaching and permanent unfavorable health effects, influencing the development of the brain and nervous system. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of lead can cause abortion, stillbirth, Yi et al SpringerPlus (2016) 5:1160 premature delivery and congenital malformation (Sedighi et al 2012). No safe blood level has been determined and all sources of lead exposure to children should be eliminated and avoided. Lead concentrations in drinking water should be at least below the current United States Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold level of 0.05 mg/L (US EPA 2011). Removal of lead from wastewater is very important to protect public health. Ion exchange, solvent extraction, phytoextraction, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis are regarded as the traditional methods for elimination of lead ions from aqueous solutions
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