Removal of Cu2+ and Zn2+ from Single Metal Aqueous Solution Using Rubber-Seed Shell Based Activated Carbon

The aim of this study was to produce a low-cost activated carbon derived from rubber-seed shells using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as chemical agent. The effect of preparation conditions such as impregnation ratio (1:1 and 1:2), carbonization temperature (500, 600 and 700°C) and duration (90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 minutes) on the produced activated carbon were investigated. Sample B1 was identified to yield activated carbon with the largest surface area, total pore volume and diameter. The results from adsorption test found that under the effect of initial concentration, the optimum sample is capable of removing 98.8% of Zn2+ and 99% of Cu2+ at low concentration of 200 ppm. Under the effect of stirring rate, 99.7% of Zn2+ and 99.6% of Cu2+ is removed at stirring rate at 400 rpm. Finally under the effect of contact time, 99.6% of Zn2+ and 94% of Cu2+ removal is achieved at time of 45 minutes. The obtained results show that agriculture waste product from rubber-seed shell is a promising low cost precursor for the production of activated carbon and it can be effectively used as an adsorption material.