Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by adsorption with surface precipitation

An activated carbon from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) shells was prepared by physical activation with carbon dioxide and water vapor. The activated carbon obtained has a surface area of 1058 m² g⁻¹ and such a high micropore volume of 0.49 cm³ g⁻¹. This carbon was studied for the removal of lead from water. Sorption studies were performed at 30 °C, at different pH and adsorbent doses, in batch mode. Lead precipitation was observed on the surface of the activated carbon. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 9 for an adsorbent dose of 2 g L⁻¹. Kinetic studies, at the initial concentration of 150 mg L⁻¹ of lead, pH 5 and an adsorbent dose of 1 g L⁻¹, yielded an equilibrium time of 50 h for this activated carbon. The kinetic data were modeled with the pseudo first order, the pseudo second order and the Bangham models. The pseudo second order model fitted the data well. The sorption rate constant (7 × 10⁻⁴ mol⁻¹ Kg s⁻¹) and the maximum amount of lead adsorbed (0.23 mol kg⁻¹) are quite good compared to the data found in literature. Sorption equilibrium studies were conducted in a concentration range of lead from 0 to 150 mg L⁻¹. In an aqueous lead solution with an initial concentration of 30 mg L⁻¹, at pH 5, adsorbent dose 1 g L⁻¹, activated Coconut shell carbon removed at equilibrium 100 % of the heavy metal. The equilibrium data were modeled with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations, of which the former gave the best fit. The Langmuir constants Q_{max eq} (0.23 mol kg⁻¹) and K_L (487667 L mol⁻¹) are in good agreement with literature. XPS studies identified adsorbed species as lead carbonates and/or lead oxalates and precipitates as lead oxide and/or lead hydroxide on the activated carbon surface. The Coconut shell activated carbon is a very efficient carbon due to its high surface area, to the presence of many micropores on its surface and to the presence surface groups like hydroxyls promoting adsorption in the porous system and lead crystal precipitation on the activated carbon surface.