Packed bed Column Adsorption of Iron in effluent from Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company using Palm Kernel Shell as Adsorbent

This work involved evaluation of palm kernel shell activated carbon (PKSAC) as adsorbent for removal of iron from water through column studies. PKS was collected, washed, sundried and carbonized at 500 0C for 3 hours after which it was crushed, then activated with 3.0M of KOH and heated using a burner for 30 mins., then packed and stored for the experiment after cooling. The activated carbon prepared from the PKS was characterized. Column studies were carried out on the adsorption of Fe from wastewater from Itakpe Iron Ore Company using PKS adsorbent under conditions such as bed height and flow rate. Experimental data were fitted to kinetic models in order to estimate the carbon adsorption capacity and establish the breakthrough profile. Results showed that optimum adsorption capacity was found at lower flow rate of 20 ml/min, and 12 cm bed height. The appropriate service times to breakthrough were 195 – 210 mins. The sorption capacity by the column was 32.49 mg/g. Yoon–Nelson, Thomas and Bohart-Adams models were used in predicting the behaviour of the breakthrough curve. For the Yoon-Nelson model, the kYN values and τ value, more so, the R2 values (0.88 – 0.96) specify that the model can be used to describe the metals – PKSAC sorption system. The Thomas and Bohart-Adams model were also suitable for the description of the sorption column with high R2 values. This study showed that activated carbon prepared from palm kernel shell is suitable for the adsorption of Fe ions and as such could be used as a cost-effective adsorbent in the treatment of polluted water.