Experimental Design and Breakthrough Curve Modeling of Fixed-Bed Columns Utilizing a Novel 3D Coconut-Based Polyurethane-Activated Carbon Composite Adsorbent for Lead Sequestration

Rubie Mae D. Fernandez, Renz John R. Estrada, Tomas Ralph B. Tomon, Roger G. Dingcong, Ruben F. Amparado, Rey Y. Capangpangan, Roberto M. Malaluan, Gerard G. Dumancas, Alona A. Lubguban, Arnold C. Alguno, Hernando P. Bacosa and Arnold A. Lubguban ()
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Rubie Mae D. Fernandez: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Renz John R. Estrada: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Tomas Ralph B. Tomon: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Roger G. Dingcong: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Ruben F. Amparado: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Rey Y. Capangpangan: Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Marine and Allied Sciences, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Philippines
Roberto M. Malaluan: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Gerard G. Dumancas: Department of Chemistry, The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, USA
Alona A. Lubguban: Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Studies, Rural High School, University of the Philippines, Paciano Rizal, Bay 4033, Philippines
Arnold C. Alguno: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Hernando P. Bacosa: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Arnold A. Lubguban: Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: This study presents a novel polyurethane-activated carbon composite (PACC) as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for treating lead-ion-contaminated waters. The PACC was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) to evaluate its physicochemical and thermal properties. Furthermore, the PACC was employed in an experimental column adsorption setup to investigate its adsorption performance and to develop a dynamic method suitable for industrial implementation. Parameters such as bed height (50, 100, 150 mm), flow rate (4, 6, 8 mL min −1 ), pH (2, 4, 6), and initial metal-ion concentrations (10, 50, 100 mg L −1 ) were examined. The experimental data exhibited strong agreement with the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models ( R 2 ≥ 0.96), indicating efficient adsorption mechanisms. Remarkably, the used adsorbent has the potential for facile regeneration without substantial loss in capacity. The PACC demonstrated excellent adsorption performance for lead ions in aqueous solutions in a fixed-bed column system. Thus, the novel PACC material holds the potential for scalable application in industrial settings to address water pollution challenges, especially in regions with uncontrolled effluent discharge.

Keywords: polyurethane foam; activated carbon; adsorption; lead; heavy metals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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