Synthesis, characterization and application of textile sludge biochars for oil removal

Abstract

This study investigates removal of oil from wastewater using adsorbent produced from textile sludge. Textile sludge biochars (TSB) were prepared via carbonization in laboratory tube furnace for one hour under nitrogen flow. An optimization study was performed on the adsorption process by varying the type of adsorbent, contact time, pH, temperature, initial concentration of simulated oily wastewater and adsorbent dosage. Under the optimized conditions obtained, the maximum adsorption capacity of TSB was 173 mg/g. The potential of TSB as oily wastewater adsorbent was proven by elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Field Emission Electron Scanning Microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The kinetics of adsorption was described by pseudo-second order while adsorption equilibrium was represented by Langmuir isotherm. Boyd model and thermodynamic studies revealed that adsorption was controlled by film diffusion and physisorption. This study showed the capbility of TSB as oily wastewater adsorbent which can be regenerated using isopropanol.