Evaluation of the Adsorption Kinetics and Equilibrium for the Potential Removal of Phenol Using a New Biosorbent

Abstract

The adsorption isotherm of phenol on the eggshell (ES) and on the eggshell membrane ( ESM) was performed, it revealed the eggshell biosorbents could uptake the phenol of more than 50 mg/g in aqueous medium, which was attributed to their pore properties. A comparison of kinetic models applied to the adsorption of phenol onto ES was evaluated for the first order and the second order kinetic model.The experimental data fitted very well the second order kinetic model. In the isotherm studies, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied. The results indicate that Langmuir equation is well solution at no pH control. Physical characteristics of ES and ESM such as presence of functional groups were verified. The Fourier transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectra proved the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl carbonyl groups in ES and in ESM. The results indicate that ES could be fruitfully employed as a natural and Eco-friendly adsorbent material for the removal of residual phenol from effluents.

Keywords: phenol, eggshell, adsorption, waste water.