Possibility of Removing Phosphates from Activated Charbon Made from Date Kernels

Phosphates in natural waters and whatever their origin, promote the formation of algae, reduce dissolved oxygen and reduce biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. At high doses, phosphate salts can cause health problems. The objective of our study was to develop a simple, efficient and environmentally friendly sorption depollution technique on available and inexpensive media. We have studied the adsorption of phosphate on activated carbons prepared from date kernels. Batch tests were carried out in order to study different operating parameters such as the effect of contact time, pH, initial phosphate concentration and adsorbent dosage and adsorption kinetic. The sorption equilibrium was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms model. Results show that the phosphate adsorption was reversible and the quantity adsorbed reached its maximum value (14.49 mg/g) after 40 minutes. It was also found that phosphate uptake was affected by variation of pH, initial concentration of phosphate and activated carbon dosage. The adsorption improved with an acidic pH (pH = 6), initial concentration and adsorbent dosage. The results of kinetic studies revealed that adsorption phosphate on activated carbon based on date kernels (Biocar) and the intra-particle diffusion involved in the adsorption mechanism. Also, isotherm study showed that Langmuir isotherm best fit the data and the adsorption was a physical type.