Adsorption of Copper and Cadmium by Coconut Coir Activated Carbon

Activated carbon was prepared from coconut coir and adsorption of copper and cadmium by the activated carbon was examined. Batch adsorption tests showed that extent of metal adsorption was dependent on metal concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Adsorption was low at acidic pH and increased with pH. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for adsorption of copper and cadmium were evaluated by batch equilibrium test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. Limiting capacity for adsorption were 90.91 mg/g (copper) and 71.43 mg/g (cadmium) for the coconut coir activated carbon, and 47.62 mg/g (copper) and 14.95 mg/g (cadmium) for the commercial activated carbon. Coconut coir activated carbon showed higher limiting capacity for adsorption of copper and cadmium than that of the commercial activated carbon.