Removal of Phenolic Substances from Water by Adsorption and Adsorption-Ultrafiltration

Abstract

In this work a magnetic adsorbent, magnetic activated carbon (MAC) was prepared and characterized by powdered X-Ray diffraction (XRD). A comparison was made between powdered activated carbon (PAC) and MAC for foul control in ultrafiltration (UF) membrane processes. First, the adsorptive parameters for PAC and MAC were determined for phenol, chlorophenol, nitrophenol, and hydroquinone. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir model in the studied concentration range of the adsorbates. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo second-order kinetic model rather than pseudo first-order kinetic model. These adsorbents were then used in combination with UF membrane. The parameters like percent rejection and flow rate for the hybrid UF/PAC and UF/MAC were determined. The influences of both adsorbents on flow rates and percent rejections were almost equal. The problems associated with PAC in the UF processes like cake formation and blackening of the pipes were not observed for MAC. MAC was removed from the slurry after use through a magnetic process.