Abstract
This investigation suggests the implementation of ZSM-5 activated carbon composite as a prolific adsorbent for the continuous elimination of Pb2+ ions from water. Continuous adsorption experiments were performed by varying three parameters such as process flow rate (2-6 mL min-1), bed height (2-6 cm), and initial concentration (250–750 mg L-1). The highest loading capacity of the fixed-bed 213.3 mg L-1 was achieved with optimal values of 2 mL min-1 of flow rate, bed height of 6 cm, and initial concentration of 750 mg L-1, respectively. The breakthrough curves and saturation points were found to appear quickly for increasing flow rates and initial concentration and vice versa for bed depth. The lower flow rates with higher bed depths have exhibited optimal performances of the fixed-bed column. The mechanism of adsorption of Pb2+ ions was found to be ion exchange with Na+ ions from ZMS-5 and pore adsorption onto activated carbon. The breakthrough curves were verified with three well-known mathematical models such as the Adams-Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson models. The later models showed the best fit to the column data over the Adams-Bohart model that can be utilized to understand the binding of Pb2+ ions onto the composite. Regeneration of ZSM-5/activated carbon was achieved successfully with 0.1 M HCl within 60 min of contact time. The outcomes conclude that ZSM-5 activated carbon composite is a prolific material for the continuous removal of water loaded with Pb2+ ions.
Highlights
The burgeoning population and swift industrialization have led to the intense release of contaminant-loaded effluents into the natural ecosystem
It is observed that with the burgeoning flow rate, the breakthrough and saturation time tend to decrease. This is well elucidated on the reality that, at a minimal rate of flow, the time of residence of Pb2+ ions to interact with the surface of the ZSM-5/activated carbon (AC) is high
It is seen that the breakthrough curves became steep with an increase in flow rates suggesting the faster saturation of column and lesser time spent by the metal ion
Summary
The burgeoning population and swift industrialization have led to the intense release of contaminant-loaded effluents into the natural ecosystem. The aptness of adsorption to eliminate hazardous contaminants without generating any toxic byproducts and retaining the standards of water unaltered has favored it [16] Adsorbents such as activated carbon [17], zeolites [18], nanosorbents [19], and biopolymers [20] were found to be effective and efficient sorbents for the remediation of contaminated water. Zeolites are naturally available crystalline microporous solids that form a network of cavities and channels [24] They are proven to be very good adsorbents, ion exchangers, and catalysts [25]. The synthesis of ZSM-5 activated carbon composite and its potential use for the remediation of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from contaminated water have been reported [30]. The impacts of various governing components were investigated, and various breakthrough models were adopted to analyze the experimental data
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