Adsorption of nitrate from aqueous solution using activated carbon-supported Fe0, Fe2 (SO4)3, and FeSO4

In this laboratory scale study, impregnated almond shell activated carbon was used as adsorbent to investigate its feasibility for nitrate adsorption from aqueous medium. The effects of activated carbon dosage and contact time have been examined in batch experiments. Experimental data show that impregnated activated carbons by Fe0, Fe2 (SO4)3, and FeSO4 were more effective than virgin almond activated carbon in nitrate removal. The maximum nitrate removal was 70% and 10-15% for modified activated carbons and virgin activated carbon, respectively. These experiments were conducted at pH 6.2, 20 ºC, and initial concentrations of 20 mg/l nitrate-N. The increase in modified activated carbon dosages increased the removal of nitrate. The equilibrium time was found to be 30 min for modified activated carbons.