Adsorption of Copper Metal Ion from Aqueous Solution by Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron (nZVI) Supported on Activated Carbon

Abstract

Copper is from one of the most important heavy metals, which adheres to the ecological system by harmful human
activities. It is toxic, persistent, and non-biodegradable metal, which causes environmental pollution in both the
atmosphere and aquatic environment. Copper pollution found in undesirable concentrations in industrial
wastewaters especially from electronics industries, cooling systems and plating industry. Physical methods are mostly
applied to remove Cu(II) including adsorption and membrane processes. Nanoparticles (e.g. nano zero valent iron
(nZVI), carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide nanoparticle) have been considered to be promising alternatives to
conventional adsorbents. They have advantages by having more surface area and nano-sized pores, which helps to
adsorb more molecules. In this study, in order to enhance adsorption by activated carbon and lower the cost of
nanoparticle synthesis, nZVI is synthesized on activated carbon(AC-nZVI). It was investigated for its effectiveness in
copper removal from aqueous solution. The effect of AC-nZVI dosage, pH and the initial concentration of Cu were
investigated. Adsorption capacities are obtained for nZVI and AC-nZVI as 414 mg/g and 510 mg/g, respectively.
200mg/L AC-nZVI concentration was determined as sufficient for %96 removal rate. Langmuir isotherm gave the
best fit and the maximum adsorption capacity according to Langmuir isotherm is calculated as 588,24 mg/g.