Removal of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions by hazelnut husks carbon activated with phosphoric acid

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2021-07, Vol.227, p.300-308
• Main Authors: Usanmaz, Sena, Özer, Çiğdem, İmamoğlu, Mustafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Adsorption; Co(II); Cu(II); Hazelnut husk; Heavy metal ions; Ni(II); Removal
• ISSN: 1944-3986; 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2021.27303

The purpose of this study was to examine phosphoric acid activated hazelnut husk carbon (HHPAAC) feasibility in removing Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of various parameters including, pH of the aqueous phase, contact time and initial metal ion concentration were studied in batch adsorption experiments. Adsorption of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions was found to be favorable at a pH of 6.0 and reached equilibrium at 600 min. Adsorption equilibrium of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions was found to be compatible with the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of HHPAAC for Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions were calculated to be 24.3, 16.3 and 17.3 mg g−1, respectively, from the Langmuir equation. The kinetic behavior of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) adsorption was well expressed by the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorbed Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions were quantitatively desorbed from the HHPAAC surface using 0.1 M nitric acid solution. HHPAAC exhibits green and cheap procedures for the treatment of wastewater including heavy metals such as Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) ions.