Cu adsorption in fixed bed column with three different influent concentration

Heavy metals from the electroplating wastewater might cause environmental pollution if not well treated. Generally, carbon adsorption might be used for the final step for further trace metals removal. This study investigated the heavy metal Cu adsorption in the fixed bed column with 1, 10 and 100 mg/L influent concentration. Results showed that KAB decreased as influent Cu concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L while N0 increased as influent concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L as can be found in Adams-Bohart model. R2 was found between 0.8579 and 0.9182. In Thomas model. KTH and q0 showed the similar trend as KAB and N0 in the Adams-Bohart model. KTH decreased as influent Cu concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L. q0 increased as influent Cu concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L. R2 of regression model was found between 0.9065 and 0.9836. In Yoon-Nelson model. KYN increased as influent Cu concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L while τ decreased as influent Cu concentration increased from 1 to 100 mg/L. Results showed that the three models of Adams-Bohart model, Thmoas model and The Yoon-Nelson model were suitable for the description of Cu adsorption by activated carbon.