Sorption enhancement of phosphorus by chemically modified rice hull

Abstract

Chemically modified rice hull was prepared through a single stage chemical reaction with N‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl)‐trimethylammonium chloride. The sorption characteristics of this material were studied under batch and continuous flow conditions. Parameters investigated under batch conditions were different initial concentrations, agitation rates, temperature and the interfering effect of other anions. Maximum sorption of P(V) calculated from Langmuir isotherm model was 9.53 mg/g and this value is higher than that of unmodified rice hull which could sorb only 0.23 mg/g of P(V). Under continuous flow conditions, it was found that the time for 50% breakthrough showed a linear relationship with bed‐depth although it did not obey the Hutchin's bed‐depth service time model.

Key words:

• Modified rice hull
• phosphorus sorption
• batch and continuous flow studies