Column studies for removal of nickel from aqueous solution by using aktivated carbon

Activated carbons are carbonaceous materials with highly developed internal surface area and porosity that can be applied in both gas and liquid phase applications. In recent years, a variety of conventional granular activated carbons and ion exchange resins have been used in water treatment and to treat a wide range of domestic and industrial effluents containing organic and inorganic pollutants. Nickel is a toxic heavy metal that is widely used in silver refineries, electroplating, zinc base casting and storage battery industries. The chronic toxicity of nickel to humans and the environment has been well documented. It is essential to remove Ni (II) from industrial wastewater before being discharged. In this study, commercial and cherry stone based activated carbons, which had been activated in different time by using electrochemical and HNO3 activation methods, were used to remove nickel (II) from aqueous solution by a continuous flow column system. Besides, the column regeneration studies were carried out by using exhausted carbons to investigate the effects of acid concentration on the regeneration. Keywords: Adsorption, Ni (II) removal, Activated carbon, Wastewater