Optimisation of Copper Removal from E-Waste Using Bioleaching Technique by Activated Mosambi Peels

E-waste is a threat of environment. In the present era as a result of fast upgrading of electronic equipment, huge amount of e-wastes were produced and dumped to some of developing countries like India. In e-waste, the most dangerous part is its integrated circuit, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), which contains numerous metals which are precious and harmful. Hazardous metal which results in immense harm to the environment in minute amounts itself. The extraction of these metals plays an important role because of the depleting natural resources and its toxicity. Among different methods, bioleaching of PCB plays an important role because of its environmentally friendly nature compared to other methods. Bioleaching results in a lixiviant pool of metals, and this is taken as the sample for study. Due to its tedious process of extraction of metals, it was found that e-waste leachate has been disposed without any treatment. Copper is a demanded metal which is about 30% of PCB. Considering its higher demand, extraction especially from a waste product is more worth. Adsorption is used as a key tool in the extraction process of copper from e-waste bioleachate. Peels of mosambi fruit were activated to make more effective Mosambi Activated Carbon (MAC). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was done to find out the adsorption of copper. The copper adsorption capacity for MAC was more than 90%. Optimisation was done using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for copper removal from e-waste bioleachate. MAC showed better adsorption and could be used as an alternative for Commercial Activated Carbon.