Activated carbon from waste paper for the removal of contaminants from wastewater
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Water pollution is a critical global issue caused by toxic industrial pollutants that
threaten both human health and the environment. These contaminants include organic
compounds (such as dyes, pesticides, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals) and inorganic
substances like sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, and phosphates. Among the treatment
methods available, activated carbon (AC) stands out for its high adsorption capacity
and cost-effectiveness.
This study aimed to produce activated carbon from waste copy paper using physical
and chemical activation methods, with 5% phosphoric acid used for chemical
activation. Waste paper was first de-inked using a flotation solution of 1% sodium
hydroxide, 1% sodium silicate, and oleic acid, followed by pyrolysis at 600 °C for 2
hours. The resulting ACs were characterised using Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller
(BET) surface area analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), along with measurements
of pH, density, solubility, and proximate properties.
FTIR analysis of chemically activated carbon revealed O–H and C–H stretching
vibrations, C–O bonds, and phosphate-related groups (P–O and P=O), indicating
successful incorporation of functional groups from phosphoric acid. In contrast, the
physically activated carbon showed C=C stretching and aromatic C–H bending
vibrations. SEM images confirmed a more porous and tubular morphology for the
chemically activated sample, while the physically activated carbon appeared denser
with irregular granules. BET results showed higher surface area for chemical
activation (678.01 m²/g) than physical activation (455.22 m²/g). Additionally, the
chemically activated sample had higher fixed carbon (64.91%) and yield (24.2%),
while the physically activated carbon showed higher pH (10.94) and density
(0.94 g/cm³). Both ACs achieved over 80% removal efficiency for methylene blue and
methyl orange dyes, highlighting their effectiveness.
Thus, this research study will be of interest to water treatment utilities. Moreover, the
research will contribute new knowledge and a better understanding of activated carbon
from waste paper
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Chemistry
Keywords
Activated carbon, Adsorption, Chemical activation, Physical activation, Contaminants, Removal efficiency, Namibia, University of Namibia