Direct investigation of the adsorption capacities of coconut, date palm and palm kernel shell charcoals commonly found in some North Central States, Nigeria

Adsorption capacities of three charcoals were investigated using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that Palm kernel shell charcoal has the highest adsorption capacity followed by the Date palm and Coconut shell charcoals. For the metals adsorption studied, recoveries ranged from 80.99 - 83.98% for Cu, 99.10 - 99.17% for Mg and 99.96 - 100% for Pb. It was also observed that longer contact time may lead to desorption. © 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords : FAAS, charcoal, adsorption capacity, heavy metals.