Removal of heavy metal ions from ground and surface water samples using carbons derived from date pits

Activated carbon samples derived from date pits (DP) were prepared through physical and chemical activation. The raw material was physically activated with pure steam or steam with flow of nitrogen gas, while the chemically activated sample were prepared by impregnation of 10% calcium acetate. The produced carbon samples show specific surface area (SBET) from 290 to 702 m2/g and pour volume (Vp) of 0.248–0.321 mL/g. The prepared carbon samples were studied as adsorbents for metal ions (Co(II), Fe(III), Pb(II) and Zn(II)) and show removal percentage more than 95% of metal ions from solution. The prepared carbon samples were applied for removal of some ions (Pb2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Fe3+) from different ground and surface water samples collected from Aseer area, and they show that a removal reached 100% for the studied metal ions.