Adsorption of 2,4-D and Cu from aqueous solution by activated carbon developed from olive stones

Abstract

Due to the usage of commercial activated carbon with high associated costs, attempts have been made to find inexpensive alternative activated carbon precursors as waste materials. Olive stone is among the most widely preferred agricultural wastes for the economical production of activated carbon. In this study, olive stones obtained from an oil factory located in Kuyucak, Aydın was used as raw material for the production of activated carbon via chemical activation which reduced the formation of tar and other by-products, thereby increased the carbon yield. For this purpose, phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride were retained as dehydrating agents. The impregnation ratio, defined by the weight ratio of the impregnants to olive stones, was kept constant as 1:1.5. The samples were carbonized in a furnace heated to 600˚C (2h) under a constant flowing nitrogen atmosphere. The chars obtained were cooled at room temperature and the weight losses due to pyrolysis were determined. Characteristics of the activated carbon were conducted and the pesticide adsorption capacity of each modified-sorbent was also determined separately. It is concluded that chemical agents enhance the quality and quantity of the activated carbon produced.