Abstract
This research studied decontamination of laboratory wastewater with an activated carbon derived from maize cob, an agricultural waste to ascertaining its adsorption effectiveness for water treatment. The preparation conditions such as the concentration of the activating agent, impregnation ratio, impregnation temperature, impregnation time, activation temperature and activation time were optimized. The adsorbent’s porous properties revealed its adsorption potency was correlated with the iodine value. The test adsorbent showed significant contaminants adsorption in the laboratory wastewater; the results obtained were within the standards for drinking water set by the regulatory agencies. This agricultural waste could be considered for the preparation of activated carbon which would ultimately serve as an alternative method of decontaminating laboratory wastewater.
Funding source: Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Funding source: Tertiary Education Trust Fund
Award Identifier / Grant number: Unassigned
Acknowledgments
The authors express their profound gratitude to the Department of Science Laboratory Technology of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Nigeria, for providing the facilities for this study. Also, the technical assistance of Gabriel Ocheja and Olusola Akinola of National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Kaduna, Nigeria and Central Laboratory of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria respectively, are appreciated.
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Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
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Research funding: This research was proudly supported and sponsored by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.
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