Removal of Cadmium(II) from Aqueous Solution by Bicarbonate Modified Coconut Oilcake Residue Carbon

Abstract

The adsorption of Cd(II) on modified coconut oilcake residue carbon (bicarbonate treated coconut oilcake residue carbon-BCORC) was employed for the removal of Cd(II) from water and wastewater. The influence of various factors such as agitation time, pH and carbon dosage on the adsorption capacity has been studied. Adsorption isothermal data could be interpreted by Langmuir and Freundlich equations. In order to understand the reaction mechanism, kinetic data has been studied using reversible first order rate equation. Similar studies were carried out using (commercially available activated carbon-CAC), for comparison purposes. Column studies were also conducted to obtain breakthrough capacities of bicarbonate treated coconut oilcake residue carbon and commercially available activated carbon. Common anions and cations affecting the removal of Cd(II) on both the carbons were also studied. Experiments were also done with wastewater containing Cd(II), to assess the potential of these carbons.