Sunlight and microwave induced preparation of activated carbons and their removal of lead(II) and cadmium(II) from industrial effluent

Abstract

This study briefs about the conditions for preparation of activated carbons from pectin, citrulline, and cellulose rich Annona squamosa shell (custard apple shell) using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). The influence of time, temperature, and impregnation ratio on the yield were studied on the preparation of activated carbon by conventional i.e. normal stirring method (CAC), microwave assisted (MAC), and sunlight assisted synthesis (SAC). Also, the characteristics of all the three carbons were determined and found to have high surface areas using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The prepared activated carbons were optimized for lead (Pb²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) uptake from aqueous solution and further the same was used to treat industrial effluent. The Langmuir isotherm was used to correlate equilibrium data of the adsorption of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by the prepared activated carbons.

Keywords:

• Sunlight
• Microwave
• Adsorption
• Desorption
• Effluent

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank VIT University, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India for their constant support during this study.