Title: Removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution using rice (Oryza sativa) husk in a sequential bed adsorption column

Authors: Neeta Sharma, Jatinder Singh, Anuradha Sharma

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India

Abstract: Batch studies carried out at varying pH, metal concentrations, temperature, particle size, and contact times indicate 75% removal of Zn²⁺, at pH 8 in 2.5 h for the concentration range 30-300 mgL⁻¹. The sorption data fits to both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. Intraparticle diffusion constant and ΔG have been calculated. Column studies using sequential bed column at varying particle sizes and flow rates show that this column is relatively more effective, as compared to the vertical column under similar conditions, in terms of efficiency, cost and handling and can be used in small scale industries.

Keywords: zinc removal; sequential bed adsorption column; low-cost adsorbents; Langmuir isotherm; intraparticle diffusion; aqueous solutions; Oryza sativa; rice husks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2010.031537

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.12 No.2/3/4, pp.333 - 342

Published online: 10 Feb 2010 *

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