Rahman, AteeqWillemse, Viola-de Amor Chantall P.2026-09-212026-09-212025http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4292A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in ChemistryWater 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 paperenActivated carbonAdsorptionChemical activationPhysical activationContaminantsRemoval efficiencyNamibiaUniversity of NamibiaThesis