Haloxylon Activated Carbon; a Novel Absorbent to Remove Phenol from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Abstract Aims: Even low concentrations of phenol in industrial waste can cause many difficulties for the aquatic environment. So removal of this organic matter is an important issue. the adsorption process, is one of the most effective methods for isolation and purification of Phenols. The aim of this study was to introduce wood haloxylon as a natural and new absorbent to remove phenol from aqueous solutions. Instrument & Methods: Experiments were carried out in laboratory scale to evaluate the effect of important variables such as initial pH (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), the initial concentration of phenol (100, 50 and 150mg/l), adsorbent dosage (0.5, 1 and 2g/l) and reaction time (20, 40 and 60min). The concentration of phenol was measured by the photometric method at wavelengths of 500nm. Findings: The highest efficiency was recorded at pH=7 and at a rate of 45.2% and after it the removal efficiency dropped. The maximum adsorption of phenol happened in the first 20 minutes (35.8%) and after that, it was absorbed more slowly and took 60 minutes (45.2%) to reach the equilibrium. By increasing the concentration of phenol from 50 to 150mg/l, the removal of phenol reduced from 45.2 to 30.6% and the absorptive capacity increased of from 1.1 to 2.3mg/g. By increasing the adsorbent dosage from 0.5 to 2g/l, the removal of phenol increased from 19.1 to 45.2% and the absorptive capacity decreased from 1.9 to 1.1mg/g. Conclusion: HTAC, in optimum conditions, can be used for pre-treatment of aqueous solution containing phenol.

Keywords

• Phenol
• Adsorption
• Activated Carbon
• Haloxylon