Adsorptive removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from water utilizing Punica granatum peel waste and stabilization with cement

The present study investigates the adsorption potential of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel as an adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption was studied as a function of contact time, initial concentration and temperature by batch method. The adsorption capacity of pomegranate peel adsorbent for 2,4-DCP was found to be 65.7 mg g−1. The equilibrium adsorption data was well described by the Langmuir model. Kinetic studies suggest that the present system of phenol adsorption on pomegranate peel adsorbent could be described more favorably by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Column studies were also undertaken in order to test the practical utility of prepared adsorbent and found promising. After the adsorption studies, the phenol-laden adsorbent was stabilized in cement for its ultimate disposal. The results of the present study clearly reveal that prepared adsorbent can be used beneficially in treating industrial effluents containing phenols and safely disposed of by stabilizing into cement.