Adsorption of Pb(II) form battery recycling unit effluent using granular activated carbon (GAC) and steam activated GAC

Abstract

The effluent of the lead-acid battery recycling unit contains a significant amount of Pb(II). Small scale battery recyclers are discharges this effluent without treatment, which is harmful to the environment. This effluent was treated by adsorption as an alternative technique to remove Pb(II) using granular activated carbon (GAC) and steam activated granular activated carbon (SGAC). Both adsorbents were characterised by using BET, SEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. Batch adsorption studies were performed to understand the effect of parameters like pH, contact time and adsorbent dose on percent removal of Pb(II) from effluent. The best result was observed at pH 4.5, time 60 min and an adsorbent dose of 2 g/L for SGAC with over 95% removal of Pb(II). Isotherm studies were carried out by testing the experimental data using Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models. Pseudo first and second order, intra-particle diffusion and Elovich kinetic models were used to understand the mechanism of adsorption. A Regeneration study was also performed to reuse the SGAC for Pb(II) adsorption.