Abstract
Removing organic compounds such as crude oil from industrial effluents is one of the crucial issues in the oil and gas industries. A well-known and effective method for removing pollutants from wastewater is adsorption. One of the novel materials used for adsorption is activated carbon obtained from biodegradable materials. This study aimed to investigate the adsorption and removal of crude oil from wastewater using activated carbon made from oak seed husk. Obtained biocarbon was activated by phosphoric acid and pyrolyzed at 450 °C. Due to the effect of various parameters on the adsorption rate, including the initial concentration of crude oil, the amount of adsorbent, and contact time, several experiments were designed by the Box–Behnken method to minimize the tests and achieve optimal conditions. Under optimal conditions (initial oil concentration of 30 ppm, an adsorbent dosage of 2.5 g l−1, and a contact time of 50 min), oil adsorption of 98% was achieved. FTIR, FESEM, EDX, and BET analyses were performed to determine the adsorbent characteristics. The isotherms and kinetics of oil adsorption on activated carbon have been investigated. Three models of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms were used to analyze the experimental adsorption data. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were also used to investigate the kinetics of the process. The chemical recovery method was applied to regenerate the activated carbon. The recovery efficiencies of acetone and hexane were examined during four recovery steps, and the efficiencies of acetone and hexane were 84% and 77%, respectively.
Graphical abstract
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
References
Abou Chacra, L., Sabri, M. A., Ibrahim, T. H., Khamis, M. I., Hamdan, N. M., Al-Asheh, S., . . . Fernandez, C. (2018). Application of graphene nanoplatelets and graphene magnetite for the removal of emulsified oil from produced water. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 6(2), 3018–3033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2018.04.060
Adebajo, M. O., Frost, R. L., Kloprogge, J. T., Carmody, O., & Kokot, S. (2003). Porous materials for oil spill cleanup: A review of synthesis and absorbing properties. Journal of Porous Materials, 10(3), 159–170. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027484117065
Agyei, N. M., Strydom, C. A., & Potgieter, J. H. (2000). An investigation of phosphate ion adsorption from aqueous solution by fly ash and slag. Cement and Concrete Research, 30(5), 823–826. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(00)00225-8
Asadu, C. O., Anthony, E. C., Elijah, O. C., Ike, I. S., Onoghwarite, O. E., & Okwudili, U. E. (2021). Development of an adsorbent for the remediation of crude oil polluted water using stearic acid grafted coconut husk (Cocos nucifera) composite. Applied Surface Science Advances, 6, 100179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2021.100179
Asadu, C. O., Elijah, O. C., Ogbodo, N. O., Anthony, E. C., Onyejiuwa, C. T., Onoh, M. I., . . . Chukwuebuka, A. S. (2021b). Treatment of crude oil polluted water using stearic acid grafted mango seed shell (Mangifera indica) composite. Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 4, 100169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crgsc.2021.100169
Aslan, S., & Şirazi, M. (2020). Adsorption of sulfonamide antibiotic onto activated carbon prepared from an agro-industrial by-product as low-cost adsorbent: Equilibrium, thermodynamic, and kinetic studies. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 231(5), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04576-0
Baup, S., Jaffre, C., Wolbert, D., & Laplanche, A. (2000). Adsorption of pesticides onto granular activated carbon: Determination of surface diffusivities using simple batch experiments. Adsorption, 6(3), 219–228. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008937210953
Carmody, O., Frost, R., Xi, Y., & Kokot, S. (2007). Adsorption of hydrocarbons on organo-clays—Implications for oil spill remediation. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 305(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2006.09.032
Chakrabarty, B., Ghoshal, A. K., & Purkait, M. K. (2008). Ultrafiltration of stable oil-in-water emulsion by polysulfone membrane. Journal of Membrane Science, 325(1), 427–437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2008.08.007
Chen, Z., Zhao, S., Xu, Z., Gao, J., & Xu, C. (2011). Molecular size and size distribution of petroleum residue. Energy & Fuels, 25(5), 2109–2114. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef200128m
Cooney, D. O., Nagerl, A., & Hines, A. L. (1983). Solvent regeneration of activated carbon. Water Research, 17(4), 403–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(83)90136-7
Das, S., & Mishra, S. (2017). Box-Behnken statistical design to optimize preparation of activated carbon from Limonia acidissima shell with desirability approach. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 5(1), 588–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2016.12.034
Das, S., & Mishra, S. (2020). Insight into the isotherm modelling, kinetic and thermodynamic exploration of iron adsorption from aqueous media by activated carbon developed from Limonia acidissima shell. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 245, 122751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2020.122751
Efome, J. E., Rana, D., Matsuura, T., & Lan, C. Q. (2018a). Experiment and modeling for flux and permeate concentration of heavy metal ion in adsorptive membrane filtration using a metal-organic framework incorporated nanofibrous membrane. Chemical Engineering Journal, 352, 737–744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.077
Efome, J. E., Rana, D., Matsuura, T., & Lan, C. Q. (2018b). Insight studies on metal-organic framework nanofibrous membrane adsorption and activation for heavy metal ions removal from aqueous solution. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 10(22), 18619–18629. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b01454
Efome, J. E., Rana, D., Matsuura, T., & Lan, C. Q. (2019). Effects of operating parameters and coexisting ions on the efficiency of heavy metal ions removal by nano-fibrous metal-organic framework membrane filtration process. Science of the Total Environment, 674, 355–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.187
Efome, J. E., Rana, D., Matsuura, T. Lan, C. Q. (2018c). Metal–organic frameworks supported on nanofibers to remove heavy metals [https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA10428F]. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 6(10), 4550–4555. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA10428F
Fatehi, M. H., Shayegan, J., Zabihi, M., & Goodarznia, I. (2017). Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles supported on activated carbon for adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) ions from saline solutions. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 5(2), 1754–1762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2017.03.006
Febrianto, J., Kosasih, A. N., Sunarso, J., Ju, Y.-H., Indraswati, N., & Ismadji, S. (2009). Equilibrium and kinetic studies in adsorption of heavy metals using biosorbent: A summary of recent studies. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 162(2), 616–645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.042
Foo, K. Y., & Hameed, B. H. (2010). Insights into the modeling of adsorption isotherm systems. Chemical Engineering Journal, 156(1), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.09.013
Gouamid, M., Ouahrani, M. R., & Bensaci, M. B. (2013). Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics of methylene blue from aqueous solutions using date palm leaves. Energy Procedia, 36, 898–907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2013.07.103
Gurav, R., Bhatia, S. K., Choi, T.-R., Choi, Y.-K., Kim, H. J., Song, H.-S., . . . Yang, Y.-H. (2021). Adsorptive removal of crude petroleum oil from water using floating pinewood biochar decorated with coconut oil-derived fatty acids. Science of The Total Environment, 781, 146636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146636
Ho, Y. S., & McKay, G. (1998). Sorption of dye from aqueous solution by peat. Chemical Engineering Journal, 70(2), 115–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0923-0467(98)00076-1
Horie, K., Barón, M., Fox, R. B., He, J., Hess, M., Kahovec, J., . . . Work, W. J. (2004). Definitions of terms relating to reactions of polymers and to functional polymeric materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2003). 76(4), 889–906. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200476040889
Huang, J., Liu, H., Chen, S., & Ding, C. (2017). Graphene aerogel prepared through double hydrothermal reduction as high-performance oil adsorbent. Materials Science and Engineering: B, 226, 141–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2017.09.014
Jamaly, S., Giwa, A., & Hasan, S. W. (2015). Recent improvements in oily wastewater treatment: Progress, challenges, and future opportunities. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 37, 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2015.04.011
Joshi, P., & Manocha, S. (2017). Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the adsorption of copper ions on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Materials Today: Proceedings, 4(9), 10455–10459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.06.399
KayvaniFard, A., McKay, G., Manawi, Y., Malaibari, Z., & Hussien, M. A. (2016). Outstanding adsorption performance of high aspect ratio and super-hydrophobic carbon nanotubes for oil removal. Chemosphere, 164, 142–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.099
Kumar, S., Guria, C., & Mandal, A. (2015). Characterization and stability analysis of crude oil-in-water emulsions. J. Petrol. Eng. Technol, 5, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/0920-4105(93)90013-5
Lagergren, S. (1898). Zur theorie der sogenannten adsorption geloster stoffe. Kungliga Svenska Vetenskapsakademiens. Handlingar, 24, 1–39.
Larasati, A., Fowler, G. D., & Graham, N. J. D. (2021). Insights into chemical regeneration of activated carbon for water treatment. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(4), 105555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105555
Larous, S., & Meniai, A.-H. (2016). Adsorption of Diclofenac from aqueous solution using activated carbon prepared from olive stones. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 41(24), 10380–10390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.01.096
Liu, Z., Huang, Y., & Zhao, G. (2016). Preparation and characterization of activated carbon fibers from liquefied wood by ZnCl2 activation. BioResources, 2, 3178–3190. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.11.2.3178-3190
Martini, S., Afroze, S., & Ahmad Roni, K. (2020). Modified eucalyptus bark as a sorbent for simultaneous removal of COD, oil, and Cr(III) from industrial wastewater. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 59(3), 1637–1648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2020.04.010
Mostefa, N. M., & Tir, M. (2004). Coupling flocculation with electroflotation for waste oil/water emulsion treatment. Optimization of the Operating Conditions. Desalination, 161(2), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-9164(04)90047-1
Narbaitz, R. M., & Cen, J. (1997). Alternative methods for determining the percentage regeneration of activated carbon. Water Research, 31(10), 2532–2542. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(97)00085-7
Ocampo-Perez, R., Leyva-Ramos, R., Mendoza-Barron, J., & Guerrero-Coronado, R. M. (2011). Adsorption rate of phenol from aqueous solution onto organobentonite: Surface diffusion and kinetic models. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 364(1), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2011.08.032
Rajak, V. K., Kumar, S., Thombre, N. V., & Mandal, A. (2018). Synthesis of activated charcoal from saw-dust and characterization for adsorptive separation of oil from oil-in-water emulsion. Chemical Engineering Communications, 205(7), 897–913. https://doi.org/10.1080/00986445.2017.1423288
Reck, I. M., Paixão, R. M., Bergamasco, R., Vieira, M. F., & Vieira, A. M. S. (2018). Removal of tartrazine from aqueous solutions using adsorbents based on activated carbon and Moringa oleifera seeds. Journal of Cleaner Production, 171, 85–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.237
Saha, B., & Orvig, C. (2010). Biosorbents for hexavalent chromium elimination from industrial and municipal effluents. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 254(23), 2959–2972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2010.06.005
Sankaranarayanan, S., Lakshmi, D. S., Vivekanandhan, S., & Ngamcharussrivichai, C. (2021). Biocarbons as emerging and sustainable hydrophobic/oleophilic sorbent materials for oil/water separation. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 28, e00268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2021.e00268
Santos, T. M., de Jesus, F. A., da Silva, G. F., & Pontes, L. A. M. (2020). Synthesis of activated carbon from oleifera moringa for removal of oils and greases from the produced water. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 14, 100357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2020.100357
Shah, I. K., Pre, P., & Alappat, B. J. (2013). Steam regeneration of adsorbents: An experimental and technical review. Chem. Sci. Trans., 2(4), 1078–1088. https://doi.org/10.7598/cst2013.545
Shukla, S. K., Pandey, S., Saha, S., Singh, H. R., Mishra, P. K., Kumar, S., & Jha, S. K. (2021). Removal of crystal violet by Cu-chitosan nano-biocomposite particles using Box-Behnken design. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(5), 105847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105847
Tran, H. N. (2022). Improper estimation of thermodynamic parameters in adsorption studies with distribution coefficient KD (qe/Ce) or Freundlich constant (KF): Considerations from the derivation of dimensionless thermodynamic equilibrium constant and suggestions. Adsorption Science & Technology, 2022, 5553212. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5553212
Vijayakumar, G., Tamilarasan, R., & Dharmendirakumar, M. (2012). Adsorption, kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on the removal of basic dye rhodamine-B from aqueous solution by the use of natural adsorbent perlite. J. Mater. Environ. Sci, 3(1), 157–170.
Waisi, B. I., Arena, J. T., Benes, N. E., Nijmeijer, A., & McCutcheon, J. R. (2020). Activated carbon nanofiber nonwoven for removal of emulsified oil from water. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 296, 109966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2019.109966
Xu, X., Liu, W., Tian, S., Wang, W., Qi, Q., Jiang, P., & Yu, H. (2018). Petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria for the remediation of oil pollution under aerobic conditions: A perspective analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 2885. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.02885
You, Z., Zhang, L., Zhang, S., Sun, Y., & Shah, K. J. (2018). Treatment of oil-contaminated water by modified polysilicate aluminum ferric sulfate. Processes, 6(7), 95. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr6070095
Yue, X., Li, Z., Zhang, T., Yang, D., & Qiu, F. (2019). Design and fabrication of superwetting fiber-based membranes for oil/water separation applications. Chemical Engineering Journal, 364, 292–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.01.149
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Highlights
• The high adsorption amount of crude oil in the waste water using the activated carbon made from Oak Seed Husk was obtained.
• Synthesized and characterization of a biodegradable lignocellulosic as an activated carbon were done.
• The isotherms and kinetics of oil adsorption on the biodegradable adsorbent have been investigated.
• The chemical recovery method was applied to regenerate the activated carbon.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Taheripak, O., Fathi, S. Removal of Heavy Crude Oil from Wastewater Using Activated Carbon Obtained from Oak Seed Husk Biodegradable Lignocellulosic Biomass. Water Air Soil Pollut 234, 295 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06317-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06317-5