Adsorption, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Copper(II) Removal by Modified Activated Carbon derived from Sugarcane Bagasse (MSCB)

Over the past few years, environmental concerns regarding heavy metal contamination have grown. Removing Cu(II) from wastewater from industry is crucial for environmental sustainability. Sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural byproduct, is widely available in many countries. Its fibrous texture and high cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content make it ideal for heavy metal adsorption. By phosphoric acid activation, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was converted into low-cost activated carbon and grafted with EDTA to make modified sugarcane bagasse (MSCB). Its ability to adsorb Cu(II) ions from aquatic solutions was investigated. A porous framework with 2073 m²/g surface area was discovered in the MSCB using SEM, BET and FTIR investigations. The adsorption system adhered to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with the equilibrium time being determined at 230 minutes. The Langmuir model accurately simulated the adsorption isotherms. A mechanism involving ion exchange was suggested by the substantial pH dependence of Cu(II) adsorption on MSCB. Investigations on regeneration revealed that MSCB could be reused multiple times through desorption using HCl.