Adsorption on activated carbon derived from tannery fleshing waste: Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics, and kinetics

Fleshings, an abundant protein source are disposed in large quantity as a solid tannery wastes. Herein, an approach for complete utilization of pre-treated fleshing waste has been developed to obtain functional rich activated carbon, which can be used as bio-adsorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution. In this study, Functional rich Fleshing Waste Activated Carbon (FWAC) was characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) BET, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and (Scanning Electron Microscope) SEM analysis. The thermal and FT-IR studies showed innovative functionalities with superior physico-chemical properties. The functional rich bio-adsorbent provided greater opportunity to utilise this material as an adsorbent for trapping toxic metal ions. The maximum adsorption capacity of functional rich bio-adsorbent was found to be 60.8 mgg(-1). Effect of pH, temperature, adsorbent dose and metal ion concentration on adsorption of metal ions were thoroughly investigated also the kinetics and thermodynamic study were carried out. The maximum removal of chromium was obtained at pH 3 with 97% for about 0.5 g adsorption dose of 100 mgL(-1) initial concentration. The fleshings dealt out as solid tannery wastes, now provides ample solution for ecological crisis of toxic chromium(VI). (c) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1725-1733, 2017