Adsorption, Kinetic
and Thermodynamic Studies of Copper(II) Removal by Modified Activated Carbon derived
from Sugarcane Bagasse (MSCB)
Singh I., Srivastava A., Nayak R., Pandey P.K. and Naik R.M.
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(12); 1-9;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2912rjce0109; (2025)
Abstract
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.
