The comparison effects of quinoa stalks activated carbon on adsorption of cadmium and lead polluted soils

Salem, Dr. Asmaa Ahmed; Nour, Hend M.; Khater, Hassan A.; Abdelkader, Noha H.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.275802.9433

The comparison effects of quinoa stalks activated carbon on adsorption of cadmium and lead polluted soils

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Regional Center for Food and Feed (RCFF), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt,

² RCFF, Agricultural Research Center - Giza- Egypt.

³ Soil Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2024.275802.9433

Abstract

The study was performed to investigate the effect of activated carbons (ACs) in dose 2% w/w produced from agricultural wastes as Quinoa stalks (Q-AC), rice straws (R-AC) and corn stalks (C-AC) on different soils (clay and sandy loam) polluted by heavy metals (HMs) 100 mg. Kg-1 cadmium (Cd100), 600 mg. Kg-1 Lead (Pb 600) or mixture of both elements (Cd100/Pb 600). The physical and chemical properties of ACs were assessed accordingly. The total carbon % values were higher in Q-AC (49.82%) than R-AC and C-AC, respectively. The surface area (BET) of AC samples were ranged from 489.314 to 1084.120 m2. g-1. The total pores volume (Vtotal) was increased in Q-AC (1.234 m2. g-1). SEM images proved high porosity of the Q-AC compared to R-AC or C-AC. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the most porous activated carbon efficiency for adsorbing as carbonyl (C=O), carboxlic (C-O) and hydroxyl (–OH) groups in Q-AC played an important role in the adsorption process. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherm was examined the maximum adsorption capacity for Cd, Pb or mixture. Results showed that the highest adsorption capacity (Qm) of Q-AC followed by R-AC and C-AC, respectively for individual Cd, Pb or mixture. In conclusion, the most effective AC was Q-AC followed by R-AC then R-AC in maximum adsorption capacity for Cd, Pb or mixture to remediate polluted soils according to their physical and chemical characteristics. The lignocellulose-rich agro-industrial waste produced effective activated carbons depends upon the total carbon content, surface area, pore size and volume, surface functionalities that offer economical and easy availability way to remediate the heavy metals polluted soils.

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