ARS | Publication request: HARDWOOD-BASED GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON FOR METALS REMEDIATION

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 30, 2002
Publication Date: May 30, 2002
Citation: Lima, I.M., Wartelle, L.H., Marshall, W.E. 2004. Hardwood-based granular activated carbon for metals remediation (abstract). American Chemical Society.

Technical Abstract: Granular activated carbon is usually the adsorbent of choice for removing organic pollutants from air and water waste streams. Its ability to remove metal ions from aqueous media is considered secondary to its ability to remove organics. Only recently was a coal-based, commerical carbon (Minotaur, Calgon, Pittsburgh, PA) marketed to specifically target the removal of toxic metals such as lead. Our laboratory at the Southern Regional Research Center has developed a hardwood-based, granular activated carbon with metal ion adsorption exceeding that of Minotaur. Hardwood particles (0.85-2.00 mm) were dehydrated and activated in the presence of 30% phosphoric acid to produce granular activated carbons with copper ion adsorption values from 1.2-1.4 mmoles/g of carbon with surface areas from 650-750 square meters per gram. In contrast, using the same copper ion assay conditions, Minotaur adsorbed 1.0 mmole/g carbon of copper ion with a surface area of 750 square meters per gram. We are currently investigating alternative activation methods using combinations of steam activation and air oxidation to match the effectiveness of the acid activation methods, but to increase surface area, and reduce process costs.