Adsorption Mechanism of Heavy Metals Using Activated Carbon Derived from Hydrilla Verticillata
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.8732Keywords:
Activated carbon, Hydrilla Verticillata, Heavy metal adsorption, Water pollution, Surface morphology, Adsorption mechanism, Sustainable adsorbent, Activated carbon, Hydrilla verticillata, Heavy metal adsorption, Water pollution, Surface morphology, Adsorption mechanism, Sustainable adsorbentAbstract
This research investigates the adsorption mechanism of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn) using activated carbon derived from Hydrilla verticillata, addressing the critical issue of water pollution caused by heavy metals, which pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and toxicity. The study outlines the preparation process of the activated carbon, which involves washing, drying, carbonization, chemical activation and hydrothermal treatment. Characterization through SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR analyses confirms the presence of functional groups and an amorphous structure conducive to adsorption. Adsorption tests reveal that H. verticillata-derived activated carbon shows high removal efficiency, especially for lead (Pb), with optimal adsorption capacities achieved within 120 min. The adsorption performance is attributed to a combination of physical adsorption, due to the microporous structure and large surface area, and chemical adsorption, facilitated by functional groups on the carbon surface. This study demonstrates that H. verticillata-derived activated carbon is a viable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional adsorbents for heavy metal removal from water, with potential applications in sustainable water treatment solutions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Activated carbon derived from the invasive aquatic plant verticillata shows significant potential for heavy metal adsorption in water treatment applications.
- Hydrothermally treated activated carbon exhibits enhanced surface morphology, larger surface area and better pore characteristics compared to untreated samples, contributing to its high adsorption capacity.
- The study demonstrates that verticillata-derived activated carbon effectively adsorbs Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn, with adsorption efficiencies improving with increased contact time.
- The adsorption mechanism involves both physical and chemical interactions, with hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups playing a crucial role in binding heavy metal ions through complexation and coordination.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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