A recent article by Ani et al., (2023, May) titled “Adsorption treatment of fibre-cement industry effluent by activated gossweilerodendron caesalpinoideae stem waste: kinetic and thermodynamic studies” published In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, shows that GC activated carbon (GCAC) had a high fixed carbon content (63.80 wt%) and surface area (865 m2/g), and showed various functional groups on its surface.
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Gossweilerodendron Caesalpinoideae stem waste-derived activated carbon effectively removed 97% total dissolved solids from fibre-cement industry effluent, proving eco-friendly wastewater treatment.
– Ani et al., 2023
This article explores the utilization of activated carbon derived from Gossweilerodendron caesalpinoideae (GC) stem waste, obtained from a tropical forest tree, for the adsorption treatment of a fibre-cement industry effluent (FCIE). The experimental study focuses on the removal of total dissolved solids (TDS) and other pollutants from FCIE. The characterization of GC activated carbon (GCAC) is presented in the article, detailing properties such as moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content, surface area, functional groups, morphology, and mineral phases. Various analytical methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), are employed for this characterization. The article delves into the adsorption performance, kinetics, and thermodynamics of GCAC in removing TDS from FCIE. It examines the impact of adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature on the efficiency of adsorption. Additionally, the article applies four kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion) and three thermodynamic parameters (free energy, enthalpy, and entropy) to elucidate the adsorption mechanism and feasibility.
How the Study was Conducted
The authors obtained fibre-cement industry effluent (FCIE) from a channel in Enugu State, Nigeria, and pretreated it by coagulation using Detarium microcarpum seed coagulant. The authors prepared activated carbon (AC) from Gossweilerodendron caesalpinoideae (GC) stem waste by chemical activation with 60% phosphoric acid, and characterized it by various methods such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the effects of adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature on the removal of total dissolved solids (TDS) from FCIE using GCAC. The authors fitted the experimental data to four kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion) and evaluated the thermodynamic parameters (free energy, enthalpy, and entropy) of the adsorption process.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that GC activated carbon (GCAC) had a high fixed carbon content (63.80 wt%) and surface area (865 m2/g), and showed various functional groups on its surface, such as O-H, C-H, C=O, and C=C. The study posits that GCAC was able to remove up to 97% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from the FCIE at an optimum dosage of 40 g/L and a contact time of 40 min. The removal efficiency increased with increasing adsorbent dosage and decreasing temperature. The study shows that the adsorption of TDS onto GCAC followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the process was chemisorption-controlled. The intraparticle diffusion model showed that the adsorption was not limited by pore diffusion. The authors also notice that the adsorption of TDS onto GCAC was endothermic, non-spontaneous, and decreased the disorder at the solid-liquid interface. The positive enthalpy change (2.217 kJ/mol) suggested the involvement of chemical bonds in the adsorption.
Why is this significant?
The study demonstrates the potential of using a natural and abundant bioadsorbent to remove pollutants from real industrial wastewater. This could reduce the environmental impact of the fibre-cement industry and protect aquatic ecosystems from contamination. The study also shows that the treated effluent has low toxicity and can be reused for irrigation or other purposes. The study suggests that the adsorption process is cost-effective and simple to implement. The use of a locally available and renewable adsorbent could lower the operational and maintenance costs of the effluent treatment system. The reuse of the treated effluent could also save water resources and reduce dependence on external water supplies. The study provides valuable insights into the adsorption mechanism, kinetics, and thermodynamics of the bioadsorbent. The study also contributes to the literature on the characterization and application of activated carbon derived from plant wastes. The study could inspire further research on the optimization, scaling-up, and comparison of different bioadsorbents for wastewater treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study by Ani et al. presents a promising eco-friendly approach to address the environmental challenges posed by industrial wastewater, specifically in the fibre-cement industry. The utilization of Gossweilerodendron Caesalpinoideae stem waste as activated carbon demonstrates not only high efficiency in removing total dissolved solids but also highlights the potential for sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment. The findings underscore the importance of exploring locally available and renewable bioadsorbents, contributing valuable insights into their adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. This research not only offers a practical solution for reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities but also opens avenues for further exploration, optimization, and comparison of diverse bioadsorbents in the realm of wastewater treatment. Overall, the study serves as a beacon for promoting environmental stewardship, emphasizing the significance of harnessing nature’s resources for a greener and more sustainable future.
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