Performance Evaluation of Column Packed with Sucrose Modified Pumice in Removal of Metronidazole from Aqueous Solutions

Background and purpose: In order to design an industrial-scale adsorption process, it is necessary to model exact simulation of the dynamic behavior of fixed bed adsorption system. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of fixed bed column using sucrose-modified pumice in removal of metronidazole from aqueous phase. In this experimental study, the adsorbent was prepared from pumice stone and sucrose was used to modify the pumice. The laboratory mode reactor was a cylindrical shape in 20 cm length and 2 cm diameter. Different parameters such as initial concentration, pH of the solution, flow and pumice height in bed were investigated to assess the performance of fixed bed column in removal of metronidazole. Thomas and the Adams–Bohart models were used to evaluate the breakthrough curves of metronidazole removal. According to findings, the BET of modified pumice per gram of adsorbent increased from 8.4 to 35. Decrease in pH and contaminant concentration resulted in increase in bed lifetime. The experimental data were found to fit well with the Thomas model. According to this study, the Thomas model could be used in designing and investigating the amount of adsorbent in real conditions. Also, the fixed bed column can be used as an effective method to remove antibiotics from water.