ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF OIL SPILLS FROM WASTEWATER USING MODIFIED ACTIVATED CARBON

Abstract

The adsorption method is regarded as one of the most effective current ways for eliminating contaminants, particularly fatty organic hydrocarbon molecules from polluted water. This study uses activated carbon and gold water to eliminate these contaminants. The inclusion of gold atoms inside the activated carbon cavity increases the coal's surface pores while also providing it a positive charge, allowing activated carbon to adsorb and remove negatively charged organic compounds. The coal produced from the trunks of local willow trees scattered throughout the Qassim region is used to remove organic contaminants via chemical adsorption on its surface. To activate the coal, use a gold nitrate solution. The positively charged gold metal ions are bound to the pores and cavities of the coal, resulting in the formation of surface pores and cavities for the positively charged portions, increasing the absorption capacity of activated carbon to absorb negative charged contaminants. The coal is activated with gold particles via a solution of gold nitrate at a concentration of 0.1 normal. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) test revealed an abundance of roughness across the surface of the activated coal, as well as an increase in the coal's surface area and pore volume, while gradual magnification ensured the presence of pores and cavities at all scales on the activated surface. To eliminate negative organic hydrocarbon molecules like heptane and octane from seawater caused by oil spills. Some factors that can affect the efficiency of gold activated coal in removing oily organic compounds, such as the time of coal contact with the heptane and octane solution, pH, and temperature of the mixture, are investigated in order to determine the most suitable conditions for achieving the coal's maximum adsorption capacity. Increasing the temperature of the mixture from 0 to 4 °C results in a considerable rise in the amount of oily compounds, with the maximum adsorption rate measured at 4 °C. Coal's adsorption capability diminishes with temperature over 4 °C, reaching its lowest value at 50 °C. The results suggest that a friction duration of 30 minutes and a pH of 6.8 are the optimal conditions for obtaining the highest adsorption capacity of activated carbon, 467 mg for heptane and 385 mg for octane. The trials on activated carbon were encouraging in terms of its suitability for the removal of heavy molecular weight contaminants such as the petroleum compounds being studied. Finally, this novel material is affordable and effective, and it is recommended for practical usage at many levels at the national level, including tiny treatment units, particularly in areas close to sources of organic pollution.