Removal of Fe3+ Ions from Wastewater by Activated Borassus flabellifer Male Flower Charcoal

Safe and clean water is essential for all living beings. Consumption of polluted water which is contaminated with iron may cause serious health implications. Therefore, removal of Fe3+ from wastewater is prerequisite for further uses. The present study intended to prepare activated charcoal (AC) from Borassus flabellifer male flower (BF) for the removal of Fe3+ ions from wastewater in a cost effective way. BFAC was produced based on carbonization method. Surface morphology and elemental composition were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. Additionally surface charge was determined by iodine number and zero point charge calculation. Batch adsorption studies were monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy. The obtain results showed a maximum adsorption at pH 8 with 0.3g adsorbent dosage at 50ppm initial Fe3+ ion concentration for 130 min contact time. The analysis of adsorption isotherm was in good agreement with both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Fe3+ removal method was found to be controlled by 1st order kinetics mechanism. However, the production cost was much cheaper and the removal performance was comparatively better than other commercial charcoals. Hence, BFAC could be used as a commercial charcoal in rural area of Bangladesh for purification of waste water.