Binary system Cu(II)/Pb(II) adsorption on activated carbon obtained by pyrolysis of cow bone study

Activated carbons obtained by pyrolysis of cow bone are economical adsorbents whose adsorption properties have been recently studied for monocomponent solutions of metal ions. However, for the wastewater treatment with these materials, their performance in multicomponent solutions has to be determined. This work studies adsorption competition between Cu2+ and Pb2+ metal ions. First, adsorption equilibrium for monocomponent metal ion solutions is investigated and shows adsorption capacities dependence on the two synthesized adsorbents; one of these adsorbents was obtained in an inert atmosphere (CBN) and the other one in the presence of the oxygen (CBOX). Differences in their textural properties may influence their adsorption capacities. Ionic size and electronegativity may also contribute to their adsorption behaviour. The second part of the study focuses on adsorption competition between those metal ions (a decrease in adsorption capacities is observed, whose value is related to adsorption kinetics of metal ions). Finally calorimetric measurements show good agreement with the earlier results.