Monoethanolamine (MEA) Wastewater Treatment via Adsorption using Activated Carbon Derived from Sawdust

Utilization of sawdust as a raw material for manufacturing activated carbon is one of the most environmental friendly approach of turning residual biomass waste into value-added products. Sawdust, which is low cost and produced abundantly from wood industry, was tested as a precursor for the production of porous carbons in a chemical scheme using phosphoric acid. Various synthesis parameters such as impregnation ratio, activation temperature and activation time affecting the
adsorption properties of activated carbons were studied in order to optimize these preparation parameters. The experimental results indicated that activated carbon can
reach a relatively higher value in surface area and pore volume when sawdust is impregnated with ratio of 1:1 and treated with activation temperature of 500°C for a
period of 60 minutes. Through nitrogen adsorption desorption isotherm analysis, existence of mesopores was proven when a combination of Type-I and Type-II isotherms were exhibited by the activated carbon produced. The results from the final adsorption test found that the material synthesized from the above mentioned parameter is capable of removing up to 93% of MEA from aqueous solution, suggesting that it could be a promisingadsorbent in MEA wastewater treatment.