Atomic layer deposition surface functionalized biochar for adsorption of organic pollutants: improved hydrophilia and adsorption capacity

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) thin film coating was applied to improve the hydrophilia of biochar derived from black willow. 2 (2Al, 0.82 wt% Al₂O₃), 5 (5Al, 1.40 wt% Al₂O₃), and 10 (10Al, 2.36 wt% Al₂O₃) cycles of alumina ALD were applied. The biochars were characterized by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorbents were utilized for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution to evaluate their adsorption capacities. The 5Al biochar showed the highest adsorption capacity, compared to the uncoated biochar and other Al₂O₃ coated biochars, due to its improved hydrophilia. The amount of MB adsorbed onto the 5Al biochar was almost three times that adsorbed onto the uncoated biochar during the first hour of adsorption experiments. Adsorption isotherms were modeled with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 26.8 and 35.0 mg/g at 25 °C for the uncoated biochar and 5Al biochar, respectively. The adsorbed MB amount per square meter achieved 1.3 mg/m² onto the 5Al biochar, and it was twice the amount on the uncoated biochar. The experimental data were analyzed by pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics models of adsorption. The pseudo-second-order model better describes adsorption kinetic data for the uncoated biochar and 5Al biochar than the pseudo-first-order model does.     

Adsorption characteristics of phenol and heavy metals on biochar from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hizikia fusiformis</Emphasis>

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the absorption efficacy of H. fusiformis biochar (HFB) for the removal of phenol and heavy metals from single and mixed solute systems of these species under different experimental conditions. The effects of contact time, pH change, initial phenol concentration, and heavy metal concentration on the adsorption capacity of HFB were investigated. The kinetics and equilibrium models of sorption of the components of the single and mixed solute systems on HFB were also studied. The experimental data were fitted to kinetic and equilibrium models. The batch experiments revealed that 360 min of contact time was sufficient to achieve equilibrium for the adsorption of both phenol and heavy metals. The adsorption of phenol and nickel by HFB followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which was quite adequate for describing the adsorption mechanism. The equilibrium data for the adsorption of phenol and heavy metals fit well to the Langmuir model with regression coefficients of R ² > 0.819. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities were 10.39, 12.13, 22.25, 2.24, 2.89, and 22.03 mg/g for phenol, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cd²⁺, respectively. Moreover, HFB exhibited optimal sorption under slightly acidic conditions at pH 6. The HFB used in the present study exhibited higher adsorption capacity for the removal of phenol and heavy metals from aqueous solutions compared to documented sorbents. These results demonstrate that HFB is potentially useful for alleviating the harmful effects of phenol and heavy metal in wastewater treatment systems.     

Adsorption of phenanthrene on Al (oxy)hydroxides formed under the influence of tannic acid

Although there has been substantial research done on adsorption of metals/metalloids by Al (oxy)hydroxides, little is known regarding the adsorption of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on Al (oxy)hydroxides, especially those formed in the presence of organic acid. This paper investigated the adsorption of phenanthrene on Al (oxy)hydroxides formed with initial tannate/Al molar ratios (MRs) 0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 (referred to MR0, MR0.001, MR0.01, and MR0.1, respectively) through batch adsorption experiments and FTIR study. The results showed that Al (oxy)hydroxides were important sorbents for phenanthrene. The adsorption kinetic data were fitted well with the pseudo-second-order equation. According to a modified Freundlich model, the adsorption capacities of Al (oxy)hydroxides followed a descending order of MR0.1 > MR0 ≥ MR0.01 > MR0.001, which was inconsistent with the organic carbon content in the Al (oxy)hydroxides. Adsorption capacity correlated with the specific surface area, micropore area, and micropore diameter of Al (oxy)hydroxides, yet the relationships were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). FTIR results showed that physical interaction was essential in phenanthrene adsorption onto the Al (oxy)hydroxides, which could be explained by an entropy-driven process. Surface hydrophobicity of Al (oxy)hydroxides played a key role in phenanthrene adsorption. Additional π–π electron donor–acceptor interaction of phenanthrene (acting as electron donor) with aromatic ring of tannic acid (electron acceptor) could be also important in phenanthrene adsorption by high MR Al (oxy)hydroxides, yet it needs further study. The findings obtained in the present study are of fundamental significance in understanding the mechanism of immobilization of PAHs in low organic matter but oxide-rich soils.     

Adsorption capacity of iron oxide-coated gravel for landfill leachate: simultaneous study

Landfill leachate is a high-strength wastewater. If it is not managed properly, it can pollute surrounding environment. The aim of this study is to determine the simultaneous adsorption capacity of iron oxide-coated gravel for metals such as Cd(II), Cu(II), Fe(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) in high-strength leachate sample. Different operating conditions such as pH, time, and dosages were investigated to determine the kinetics and mechanism of adsorption process. Coating with iron oxide changed the external surface of gravel. The adsorption capacities increased with increased pH, and the optimum pH was found to be 7. High removal rates were observed in a short period of time. The Freundlich model fitted reasonably well to the experimental data, indicating multilayer adsorption process and the heterogeneity of the surface (R ² ranging 0.57–0.94). The Temkin model fitted well to the experimental data as well (R ² ranging 0.67–0.98), indicating that the adsorption is an exothermic process. The adsorption of ions was found to obey second-order kinetics, indicating one-step, surface-only adsorption process. The degree of metal adsorption on iron oxide-coated gravel at pH 7 was in the order Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Fe(II) > Zn(II) > Ni(II).     

Phosphorus dynamics and corn growth under applications of corn stalks biochar in a clay soil

Biochar prepared from corn stalks is used as a source of phosphorus in this study. The hypotheses were to investigate effects of biochar applications in clay soil on availability, changes of phosphorus pools and maximum adsorption of phosphorus as well as corn growth. The soil was placed in plastic pots with each contains 3 kg of this soil. Biochar was added at levels of 0 (control), 6.5 (B₁), 19 (B₂), and 38 (B₃) g pot^?1. In this experiment, the pot was planted with corn (Zea mays). The results of this study revealed that the biochar application enhanced available phosphorus (Olsen-P) from 11.51 to 17.10 mg kg^?1. Adding biochar significantly increased the amount of NH₄Cl-P, NaHCO₃-P_o, and NaOH I-P_o fractions (p?≤?0.05), but it significantly decreased HCl-P_i fraction (p?≤?0.05). Addition of biochar at the highest level increased the fresh and dry matter productions by up to about 75 and 48.7%, respectively, compared to the control. The phosphorus uptake by corn plants significantly increased with increasing levels of biochar. The removal efficiency (% sorption) and maximum adsorption (b) of phosphorus increased with increasing level of biochar addition compared to control. Consequently, it is recommended to add biochar produced from corn stalks to the soil in order to substitute phosphate fertilizers.     

Adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto activated carbon derived from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucaena leucocephala</Emphasis> waste sawdust: kinetics,equilibrium and thermodynamics

The adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) was studied using activated carbon derived from Leucaena leucocephala (ACLL). The physico-chemical properties of ACLL were determined using proximate analysis and N₂ BET surface area analysis. The N₂ BET surface area of ACLL was determined to be 1131 m² g^?1. The point of zero charge (pH_pzc) of 5.42 indicated that ACLL surface was positively charged for pH below the pH_PZC, attracting anions. The effect of experimental operating parameters such as time of contact, ACLL dose, pH, initial concentration and temperature was investigated. The optimum values of parameters such as concentration of 100 mg L^?1, 300 mg of ACLL dose, time of contact of 60 min, pH of 4 indicated the maximum Cr(VI) uptake of 13.85 mg g^?1. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted with the Cr(VI) adsorption data. Adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) onto ACLL satisfactorily fitted in the order of Redlich–Peterson > Freundlich > Langmuir > Temkin adsorption isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters showed the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto ACLL was an endothermic and spontaneously occurred process.     

Chromium(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution by prepared biochar from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Onopordom Heteracanthom</Emphasis>

In this research, the stems of Onopordom Heteracanthom which is a kind of weed were converted to biochar particles, and their characteristics were investigated. The morphology and purity of these particles were examined by SEM and EDX techniques, respectively. Specific surface area was obtained as 5.73 m² g^?1 by BET method. The biochar particles obtained from Onopordom Heteracanthom were evaluated as an adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous environments. The effect of some parameters such as initial concentration of Cr(VI), dosage of adsorbent, and pH were investigated on the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto the adsorbent. The equilibrium data were analyzed by various isotherm models. The results revealed that in this process, the adsorption isotherm and kinetics have more conformity with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, respectively. The multi-linearity of the Weber and Morris adsorption kinetic model indicates that the intra-particle diffusion is not merely the rate-controlling step for the whole adsorption process.     

Geochemical evaluation and environmental application of Yemeni natural zeolite as sorbent for Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> from solution: kinetic modeling,equilibrium studies,and statistical optimization

Yemeni natural zeolite was characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR and XRF as well as its applicability as a sorbent material for Cd²⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. The zeolitic sample is clinoptilolite-K of heulandite group with intermediate Si/Al ratio. The removal% of Cd²⁺ by natural clinoptilolite was investigated as a function of contact time, zeolite dose, pH and initial concentration of Cd²⁺ ions. Kinetic experiments indicated that sorption of Cd²⁺ follows two steps: rapid ion exchange process on the outer surface is followed by slow adsorption process on the inner surface of clinoptilolite. The equilibrium was attained after 120 min, and the results were fitted well with pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models. The Cd²⁺ removal% is strongly dependent on pH value and increases with the increasing pH value. Equilibrium sorption isotherm of Cd²⁺ by clinoptilolite was described well using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms models. However, the data relatively well fitted with Freundlich model (R ² = 0.97) rather than by the other models. Response surface methodology in conjunction with central composite rotatable statistical design was used to optimize the sorption process. The model F-value indicated the high significance of second-order polynomial model to represent the interaction between the operating parameters. From the Design Expert’s optimization function, the predicted optimum conditions for maximum removal% of Cd²⁺ (80.77%) are 116 min contact time, 0.27 gm dose, and pH 7 at an initial Cd²⁺ concentration of 25 mg/L.     

Removal of cadmium (II) from aqueous solution and natural water samples using polyurethane foam/organobentonite/iron oxide nanocomposite adsorbent

A novel polyurethane foam/organobentonite/iron oxide nanocomposite adsorbent was successfully prepared via in situ polymerization of toluene diisocyanate and polyol in presence of 5 wt% organobentonite/iron oxide. The obtained nanocomposite was characterized in detail, and the results revealed that the clay layers are exfoliated and/or intercalated in the polymer matrix forming a nanocomposite structure. The application of the prepared nanocomposite for adsorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solution was tested as a function of various experimental parameters using batch procedures. Adsorptive removal of Cd(II) onto the nanocomposite attained maximum at adsorbent content 1.5 g/L, pH 6, and the equilibrium was established within 60 min. Kinetic studies showed that the experimental data fit very well to pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption process proceeds through three steps. It was found that external liquid film and intraparticle diffusion steps deeply affect the rate of Cd²⁺ ions adsorption onto the synthesized nanocomposite. Langmuir isotherm model fitted the adsorption data better than Freundlich with a maximum adsorption capacity (q _m) for Cd(II) equal to 78 mg/g under the specified experimental conditions. The synthesized nanocomposite afforded effective extraction for Cd²⁺ ions from natural water samples and excellent reusability feature. This study declares the potential efficiency of a new clay/polymer nanocomposite as alternative for wastewater remediation.     

Low-cost biochar derived from herbal residue: characterization and application for ciprofloxacin adsorption

Thermally carbonization biochar produced from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine waste (Astragalus mongholicus residue) was investigated for its performance in ciprofloxacin adsorption. Batch sorption experiments were conducted, and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analyses were employed to characterize the biochar. The results demonstrated that thermal activation process improves the adsorbent characteristics. Biochar produced at 800 °C had the best adsorption capacity, a better pore structure and the largest surface areas. The adsorption process fit well to a pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The adsorption isothermal model results revealed that the adsorption process of ciprofloxacin is described better by the Freundlich isotherm and the type of adsorption is a chemical process. The maximum adsorption of ciprofloxacin occurred at pH 7. The present research demonstrated that A. mongholicus biochar might be an attractive and cost-effective adsorbent with good adsorption performance for removing ciprofloxacin from water solution.     

Adsorption study on municipal solid waste leachate using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> seed

Effects of initial concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed coagulant for removing Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids from municipal solid waste leachate have been evaluated at an optimum pH of 7 and temperature of 318 K. The kinetic data obtained from the experiments were fitted to the pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. Based on a regression coefficient (R ²), the equilibrium (kinetic) data were best fitted with the Elovich model (R ² = 0.993 for Chemical Oxygen Demand and R ² = 0.996 for Total Dissolved Solids) than that of other models. The results of the kinetic models study indicated that the adsorption capacity of M. oleifera seed as a coagulant for removing Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids in a leachate increased up to 100 mg L^?1, beyond which the adsorption capacity got reduced. Finally, the present study concluded that M. oleifera seed coagulant could be employed effectively for the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids in a municipal solid waste leachate.     

Particle-size effects on dissolved arsenic adsorption to an Australian laterite

In this study, arsenic adsorption to an Australian laterite has been examined for a particle-size range between 38 μm and 25 mm. The results show that particle size influences both kinetic and equilibrium characteristics of arsenic adsorption. The equilibrium adsorption capacity increases from around 100 mg kg^?1 for laterite particles coarser than 4 mm, to around 160 mg kg^?1 for laterite particles between 75 μm and 4 mm, and to over 200 mg kg^?1 for laterite particles finer than 75 μm. The kinetic adsorption data can be fitted with the pseudo-second-order reaction model, in particular for finer particles where the film diffusion and/or surface reaction are important processes. The model-fitted rate constant remains steady for laterite particles coarser than 2 mm, increases moderately with particle size in the range between 75 μm and 2 mm, and increases dramatically for laterite particles finer than 75 μm. These arsenic adsorption behaviours can be explained by the relative importance of two particle-size-dependent processes: quick external-surface adsorption (more important for fine particles) and slow intraparticle adsorption (more important for coarse particles). Most of the external-surface adsorption completes in the first hour of the experiment. To apply the studied laterite for dissolved arsenic removal, it is recommended that fine particles, in particular finer than 75 μm, should be used if the contact time is the limitation, and that coarse particles, in particular 2–4 mm, should be used if sufficient contact time is available.     

Uptake of Indosol Dark-blue GL dye from aqueous solution by water hyacinth roots powder: adsorption and desorption study

Adsorption characteristics of water hyacinth roots powder for the removal of Indosol Dark-blue GL dye were investigated in batch mode. Operating variables, such as initial solution pH, presence of detergent, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration and contact time, were studied. The results showed that the adsorption of dye increased with increasing the initial concentration and contact time. The adsorption is highly pH dependent and adsorption capacity increased with decrease in pH. Kinetic study revealed that the uptake of Indosol Dark-blue GL was very rapid within the first 15 min and equilibrium time was independent of initial concentration. Batch equilibrium experiments were carried out at different pH and found that equilibrium data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum sorption capacity of the adsorbent was found as 86 mg g^?1 at pH 3 which reduced to 64 mg g^?1 at pH 5. The presence of detergent reduced the sorption capacity of the adsorbent significantly. Using equilibrium and kinetic data, the forward and backward rate constants were determined from the unified approach model. Desorption study revealed that the dye can be recovered by swing the pH from low to high.     

Effects of geosorbent and solution properties on sorption and desorption of PAHs

Characteristics of phenanthrene and pyrene’s sorption and desorption on two local soils in solutions of simulated groundwater, simulated lung fluid, and simulated saliva were studied with batch equilibrium experiments to understand the fate of PAHs in the karst region of southwestern China and to assess the environmental exposure and the health risk of PAHs. The results showed that the sorption and desorption isotherms of phenanthrene and pyrene on two target soils in the three solution systems could be adequately described by the Freundlich model, while the fitted isotherm parameters for the simulated groundwater solution distinguished notably from those for the simulated body fluid solutions. For the sorption experiments, in the simulated groundwater, the n values were 0.722 and 0.672 for phenanthrene and were 0.724 and 0.663 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil; The log K_F values were 3.118 and 3.323 for phenanthrene and were 3.648 and 3.846 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. In the simulated body fluids, the n values for phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 0.622 to 0.836 and from 0.590 to 0.865, respectively, and the log K_F values of phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 2.845 to 3.327 and from 3.344 to 3.779, respectively. For the desorption experiments, in the simulated groundwater, the n values were 0.662 and 0.744 for phenanthrene and were 0.702 and 0.647 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. The log K_F values were 3.666 and 3.686 for phenanthrene and were 4.128 and 4.225 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. In the simulated body fluids, the n values for phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 0.612 to 0.668 and from 0.631 to 0.819, respectively, and the log K_F values of phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 3.134 to 3.407 and from 3.533 to 3.839, respectively. The limestone soil had relatively higher log K_F values but lower K_OC values compared to those of the yellow soil, indicated that the nature of sorbent soils played the dominant role in sorption and desorption behaviors of PAHs. The experimental results showed a remarkable differences in sorption and desorption behaviors of PAHs in simulated body fluids and groundwater. The nonlinearities of measured isotherms and the measured sorption capacities of soils in simulated body fluids were significantly lower than corresponding those in the simulated groundwater, and HI values for simulated body fluids systems were significantly smaller than corresponding those for the simulated groundwater systems. The results underscore cautions in assessing environmental exposure and health risks of PAHs based on their sorption–desorption data in simulated groundwater as this is traditionally done.

     

Separation of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript> by tetraethylenepentamine-modified sugarcane bagasse fixed-bed column: selective adsorption and kinetics

Tetraethylenepentamine-modified sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was prepared to improve its adsorption capacity and selectivity toward Cu²⁺. Adsorption performances of the modified sorbent for Cu²⁺ were studied in batch system. Separation of Cu²⁺ from Pb²⁺ by the modified sorbent fixed-bed column were studied under dynamic system with initial molar concentration ratio \(\left( {C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}} } \right)\) ranging from 1:1 to 1:100. The amount of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ adsorbed on the saturated column was calculated by the elution curve. Batch experimental results showed that the adsorption capacity of the sorbent for Cu²⁺ increased from 0.12 to 0.21 mmol g^?1 after modification. Dynamic adsorption results showed that the modified SCB had higher adsorption affinity toward Cu²⁺ than Pb²⁺. 0.07 mmol g^?1 of adsorbed Pb²⁺ was pushed off by Cu²⁺ during the competitive adsorption process at \(C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}} = {\text{1:1}}.\) The breakthrough curves and adsorption kinetics of Cu²⁺ in the column could be fitted well by the Yoon–Nelson and modified Yoon–Nelson model, respectively. According to the elution curve, the amount of Cu²⁺ adsorbed on the fixed-bed column were 0.16, 0.16 and 0.15 mmol g^?1, while that of Pb²⁺ were 0.0016, 0.0051 and 0.0094 mmol g^?1 when \(C_{0}^{\text{Cu}} /C_{0}^{\text{Pb}}\) increased from 1:1 to 1:10 and 1:100. Cu²⁺ could be selectively adsorbed and separated from Pb²⁺ by using the modified sorbent fixed-bed column.     

Biosorption of lead from acid solution using chitosan as a supporting material for spore forming-fungal biomass encapsulation

Asexual spores of the filamentous fungus Rhizopus arrhizus were used as the resting biomass as they tolerate chitosan gelling for mycelia growing in chitosan beads. Biosorption of lead using the dead detergent pre-treated chitosan-immobilised and grown fungal beads was performed with initial lead (II) nitrate concentrations ranging from 9.02 to 281.65 mg/L. The adsorption data were best correlated with equilibrium adsorption isotherms in the order Redlich–Peterson, Langmuir, Freundlich and Fritz–Schlünder by non-linear regression. The biosorption kinetic model of pseudo second-order (R ² > 0.99) fitted better than pseudo first-order and modified pseudo first-order models. Among the four pseudo second-order kinetic models, the Blanchard model was the best fit for the experimental biosorption data. The rate-limiting step of biosorption of lead was shown to be intraparticle diffusion controlled according to Weber and Morris model fitting. The beads could be regenerated using 1 M nitric acid solution. This illustrated the good performance of the beads for regenerated sorption/desorption at least five cycles.     

High efficacy on diclofenac removal by activated carbon produced from potato peel waste

In the present study, a novel porous carbon obtained by K₂CO₃ activation of potato peel waste under optimized conditions was applied for the first time as liquid-phase adsorbent of sodium diclofenac in parallel with a commercial activated carbon. The biomass-activated carbon presented an apparent surface area of 866 m² g^?1 and well-developed microporous structure with a large amount of ultramicropores. The obtained carbon presented leaching and ecotoxicological properties compatible with its safe application to aqueous medium. Kinetic data of laboratory-made and commercial sample were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model. The commercial carbon presented higher uptake of diclofenac, but the biomass carbon presented the higher adsorption rate which was associated with its higher hydrophilic nature which favoured external mass transfer. Both adsorbents presented adsorption isotherms that were best fitted by Langmuir model. The biomass carbon and the commercial carbon presented adsorption monolayer capacities of 69 and 146 mg g^?1, and Langmuir constants of 0.38 and 1.02 L mg^?1, respectively. The better performance of the commercial sample was related to its slightly higher micropore volume, but the most remarkable effect was the competition of water molecules in the biomass carbon.     

Nonlinear kinetic analysis of phenol adsorption onto peat soil

Phenolic compounds are considered as a serious organic pollutant containing in many industrial effluents particularly vulnerable when the plant discharge is disposed on land. In the present study, the phenol removal potential of peat soil as adsorption media was investigated as the adsorption process are gaining popular for polishing treatment of toxic materials in industrial wastewater. Batch experiments were performed in the laboratory to determine the adsorption isotherms of initial concentrations for 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L and predetermined quantity of peat soil with size ranges between 425 and 200 μm poured into different containers. The effects of various parameters like initial phenol concentration, adsorbent quantity, pH, and contact time were also investigated. From experimental results, it was found that 42 % of phenol removal took place with optimized initial phenol concentration of 10 mg/L, adsorbent dose of 200 g/L, solution pH 6.0 for the equilibrium contact time of 6 h. The result exhibits that pseudo-first-order (R ² = 0.99) and Langmuir isotherm models are fitted reasonably (R ² = 0.91). Adams–Bohart, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Wolborska models were also investigated to the column experimental data of different bed heights to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the kinetic coefficient of the models using nonlinear regression analysis. It was found that the Thomas model is the best fitted model to predict the experimental breakthrough curves with the highest coefficient of determination, R ² = 0.99 and lowest root mean square error and mean absolute performance error values.     

Sorption characteristics and mechanisms of ammonium by coal by-products: slag, honeycomb-cinder and coal gangue

The adsorption behaviors of ammonium from aqueous solutions were investigated for three solid coal wastes, slag, honeycomb-cinder and coal gangue. The ammonium sorption processes were well modeled by the pseudo second-order model (R ² > 0.99). The experimental data were fitted to both the Langmuir model and the Freundlich model, with the Langmuir model better representing the data. The maximum ammonium sorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir model were 3.1, 5.0 and 6.0 mg/g for the slag, honeycomb-cinder and coal gangue samples, respectively. The pH value of the solution affected the ammonium removal, and the higher uptakes found in either neutral or alkaline conditions for the three materials. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH, were calculated to be 29.75, 25.21 and 17.91 kJ/mol for the SL, HC and CG samples, respectively, with the positive values indicating that the ammonium sorption processes were endothermic. Based on the results, it can be concluded that coal gangue may have more potential for being used as a sorbent for the ammonium removal from wastewater among the three coal by-products.