Evaluation of Sulphuric Acid Modified Activated Carbons of Stem-Leaf and Root from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for Phenol Adsorption in Aqueous Solution

Eliminating phenol from industrial effluents before they are released into water systems is essential since its release into waterways causes serious dangers to human health and the environment. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate sulphuric acid modified activated carbons of stem-leaf and root from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for phenol adsorption in aqueous solution using appropriate standard procedures. The adsorbent was characterized for selected physicochemical properties and the results show that pH of 7.2, a bulk density of 1.45 g/cm³, and a porosity of 0.43. The adsorption efficiency shows that the suphuric acid treated activated carbon of the water hyacinth root achieved a maximum efficiency of 74%, compared to 71% for the stem-leaf. Therefore, water hyacinth could be an effective low-cost and readily available adsorbent for phenol adsorption in wastewater treatment.