Synthesis of Acticated Carbon from Orange peel for the Treatment of Cassava Wastewater

Abstract

Abstract: This research was based on the synthesis of activated carbon from Orange peel for the removal of contaminants (Cyanide) from Cassava wastewater. Fresh Orange peels were dried and impregnated with Phosphoric acid for activation and then carbonized in a Muffle furnace at 600 °C. The effect of impregnation volumes of the activation agent was investigated and the SEM images of the activated carbon showed that the development of the pores increased with increasing impregnation volume showing that the Phosphoric acid was efficient in the creation of well-developed pores. The removal of cyanide from the wastewater by batch adsorption was carried out with the effect of contact time (between 40 to 80 minutes) and adsorbent dosage experimented. Cyanide levels were removed to a considerable extent (up to 68 mg/L, about 22.82%) with the adsorption of cyanide increasing with maximum adsorption at 80 minutes contact time and 6 g adsorbent dosage. This shows that the orange peel activated carbon can be considered for adsorption treatment of cassava wastewater.