Adsorption of Heavy Metal on Active Carbon Derived from Coconut Leaves Agro-Waste

Abstract

In this paper activated carbon is prepared from coconut leaves by chemical activation during slow pyrolysis at 673 K in an inert atmosphere. Activated carbon is prepared in the stiochiometric ratio of 1:1 (CL1), 2:1 (CL2) and 3:1 (CL3). Optimized 3:1 ratio is preferable for further study. BET surface area of CL3 activated carbon was found 1060.57 m/g. It is greater than those of CL1 and CL2. The batch sorption study experiments were conducted with respect to solute concentration of 2.5– 122.8 mg/l and solution temperature of 313–343 K. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm studies were conducted. The experimental data fitted very well for the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second-order. The results have established good potentiality for the CL3 activated carbon to be used as a sorbent for the removal of lead from wastewater.