Activated Carbon for Water Treatment in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects

A field survey of activated carbon (AC) users and usage ill Southwestern Nigeria was made using both purposive and random sampling methods to pick respondents. The survey was to identify sources of AC used, the cost and specifications and relevant information for users. Using predetermined activation conditions, a locally developed furnace was to produce good quality AC from PKS sourced in three different parts of the Rain forest belt of Southern Nigeria under the same conditions used in a standard furnace modified for the process. The results of the survey showed that almost all AC sold in Nigeria arc imported from Europe and Asian countries and they have no specifications. There is no evidence of local production of this high-demand engineering material. There was no locational variation in the quality of the carbon adsorbents currently produced which has comparable quality to imported ones. The AC industry is viable, especially from agricultural farm waste including palm kernel shells, which have a 70% yield of AC. There is the need to regulate or standardize AC imported or produced locally. The prospect for local production in developing countries is high and this will be enhanced by the development of equipment and adoption of appropriate production technology.