Kinetics of phenol-sorption by raw agro-wastes

Abstract

Phenol is one of the most toxic industrial pollutants and even at low concentration it is reported to affect water quality and is harmful to human health. Although activated carbon has been one of the most commonly used adsorbents to treat organic compounds, yet its high cost and difficulty in recovery has directed extensive research on low cost adsorbents. As an alternative to activated carbon, a study has been carried out using various agro waste namely Rice Husk (RH), Cashew Nut Shell (CNS), Coffee Skins (CS), Corn Shell (CRS), Green Gram Husk (GGH) and Black Gram Husk (BGH). The kinetic study showed that the above agro wastes have shown better rate constants and diffusion coefficient as compared with activated carbon. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.