Removal of Trace Metals From Wastewater by Activated Carbon

Abstract

Abstract The merits of activated carbon for removal of organic compounds from wastewater have been well documented in the literature. On the other hand there is a lack of published data on the use of activated carbon for the removal of trace metals from wastewater. Experiments were designed to assess the possibility that activated carbon treatment would remove aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver and zinc from wastewater. All metals studied were tested over the pH range 3-11. Greater than 99.5% removal was achieved by pH adjustment and activated carbon treatment for most of the metals tested.