MULTIPLE ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METAL IONS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING ACTIVATED CARBON FROM NIGERIAN BAMBOO

Abstract

Batch adsorption of different heavy metal ions (Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium) in aqueous solution using activated carbon from Nigerian bamboo was studied. The bamboo was cut, washed and dried. It was carbonized between 300 0 C 450 0 C, and activated at 800 0 C using nitric acid. The bulk density, iodine number, Benzene adsorption, methylene adsorption, and ash content of the activated carbon produced compared well with commercial carbons. Multiple adsorption of these metals in same aqueous solution using bamboo carbon showed that adsorption capacity is in the order Pb>Cd>Cu>Zn>Ni>Cr which showed that these metal ions can be adsorbed selectively by Nigerian bamboo activated carbon. The order of adsorption is related to the maximum adsorption of lead, cadmium, copper on bamboo was found to be in the order of ionic radius of the heavy metals used. Therefore this study demonstrates that bamboo can serve as a good source of activated carbon with multiple metal ions – removing potentials and may serve as a better replacement for commercial activated carbons in applications that warrant their use. However, it will also contribute to the search for less expensive adsorbents and their utilization possibilities for the elimination of heavy metal ions from industrial waste water.