Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon Using Pinecone (Conifer Cone) to Remove Phenol from Wastewater †

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Engineering Proceedings

Abstract

Chemical industries are generating unprecedented effluent, including toxic aromatic compounds such as phenol, which poses severe environmental risks. This study explores the acute and prolonged effects of phenol, which range from the death of animals, birds, and fish to reduced plant growth, reproductive problems, and changes in appearance and behaviour. Additionally, oral exposure to phenol can be toxic to humans. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector faces challenges in finding salvage value for increasing amounts of waste. To address this issue, our research analyzes organic materials with no market value and investigates the feasibility of achieving efficient adsorption using their char. We specifically examine pine nuts, an abundantly available waste material. Our objective is to synthesize an organic adsorbent material that meets specific criteria: organic, readily available at zero cost, derived from waste with no other utility, native to the area, abundantly accessible, possessing a large surface area, and demonstrating superior adsorption capabilities. This research employs chemical activation using four acids (nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and orthophosphoric acid) and involves drying and heating the samples at different elevated temperatures. The selection of the optimal adsorbent is based on an analysis of the BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area and pore volume, ensuring its efficacy. The adsorption efficiency was also tested with the help of a UV spectrophotometer to assess its efficiency using Beer–Lambert’s law. The study also goes through an ultimate analysis to measure the amount of carbon content in our adsorbent. Through this study, we aim to develop sustainable waste management practices by utilizing pine nut waste as a valuable resource for effective phenol removal.

DOI

10.3390/engproc2023059076

Publication Date

1-1-2023

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