REMOVAL OF Cu²⁺ AND Zn²⁺ FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER BY ADSORPTION STUDY OF OPERATIONAL FACTORS

S. YOUCEF, L. YOUCEF, S. GUERGAZI

Abstract


This research investigates the efficiency of commercial activated carbon (CAC) in eliminating copper (Cu²⁺) and zinc (Zn²⁺) ions from petroleum wastewater. The wastewater sample was characterized by an acidic pH, high conductivity, and notable metal contents, with copper at 63.14 mg/L and zinc at 9.38 mg/L, reflecting the complexity of such industrial effluents. Structural and chemical analysis of CAC, carried out using FTIR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption–desorption, revealed the presence of multiple surface functional groups and a mainly microporous framework with a high specific surface area (1147.48 m²/g).

Batch adsorption tests were conducted to investigate how operational parameters such as contact duration, agitation rate, solution acidity (pH), and sorbent dose influence the process performance. Kinetic analysis revealed that the pseudo-second-order model provided the closest agreement with the experimental data (R² > 0.96), indicating that chemisorption is the primary mechanism, whereas intraparticle diffusion contributes only at the later phases of adsorption. The results further highlighted that removal efficiencies were strongly enhanced by higher stirring speeds, increased CAC loading, and alkaline environments, ultimately achieving almost complete elimination of both metals.

In contrast to many studies that rely on synthetic solutions, this investigation validates the practical potential of CAC for real wastewater treatment. The outcomes confirm CAC as an effective, and scalable option for the removal of heavy metals, reinforcing its relevance in sustainable wastewater management strategies.


Keywords


Cu²⁺; Zn²⁺; Industrial wastewater; Commercial activated carbon; operational factors.

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References


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