Journal of Chromatography & Separation Techniques
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7064
ISSN: 2157-7064
Shofolahan Adebayo
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Chromatogr Sep Tech
Technologies for PO43- removal from contaminated waters, such as chemical precipitation with lime, are expensive. In this study, the feasibility of utilizing low-cost activated maize tassel for the adsorptive removal of phosphate was assessed. Raw maize tassel powder was impregnated with H3PO4 in the ratios 0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1 and 2.5:1 and activated at 600 and 800�?ºC under an inert atmosphere of N2. The activated products were characterized by BET. Activation resulted in an increase in specific surface area and porosity. CAT4 (2:1) activated at 600�?ºC) with SBET 803.8 m2/g and pore size 2.22 nm was further characterized by SEM and used for adsorption studies. Batch experiments were performed to study the removal of phosphate from simulated samples; the optimal parameters were found to be: contact time of 90 min, pH 7 and adsorbent dosage of 1.5 g per 100 mL solution. The adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model (R2>0.99), yielding an estimated adsorption capacity of 15.31 mg PO4 3- per g adsorbent. The activated product was successfully applied for the remediation of phosphate in selected samples from 3 sewage treatment plants in Northern Pretoria.
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