Title: Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol in a micro-packed bed adsorber by activated carbon from Coffea arabica fruit endocarp

Authors: Maria L. Correa; Daniel I. Arango; Jorge H. Sánchez; Germán C. Quintana; Jorge A. Velásquez

Addresses: Pulp and Paper Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1ª #70-01, Medellín, Colombia ' Pulp and Paper Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1ª #70-01, Medellín, Colombia ' Pulp and Paper Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1ª #70-01, Medellín, Colombia ' Pulp and Paper Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1ª #70-01, Medellín, Colombia ' Pulp and Paper Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1ª #70-01, Medellín, Colombia

Abstract: Activated carbon, obtained by phosphoric acid activation of Coffea arabica fruit endocarp, was used to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol from aqueous solutions in a micro-packed bed adsorber. In batch experiments, effects such as initial concentration, solution's pH, and temperature on adsorption were investigated. It was found that acidic pH is favourable and that the adsorption isotherm is best represented by the Langmuir model. In continuous experiments, the effect of inlet concentration, bed length, and flow rate on the adsorption capacity of the micro-packed bed adsorber were evaluated. Adsorption capacities were higher than those obtained in batch experiments. Inlet concentration and bed length show a significant effect on the adsorption capacity. Breakthrough curves were very well fitted by axial dispersion model. Additionally, breakthrough profiles indicate a particle-controlled process, which suggest a negligible external mass transfer resistance.

Keywords: 2,4-dichlorophenol; 2,4-DCP; activated carbon; micro-packed bed; isotherm; breakthrough; axial dispersion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2019.102201

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2019 Vol.22 No.2/3, pp.138 - 154

Accepted: 11 May 2019
Published online: 10 Sep 2019 *

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