Competitive adsorption of three metal ions Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Hg(II) in the aqueous solutions over the magnetic activated carbon derived from peach stone

The aim of this present work is the synthesis of the functionalized magnetic activated carbon derived from peach stone for simultaneous removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The various tests including XRD, BET, XRF, Boehm, VSM and FTIR were applied to characterize the prepared nano-adsorbent. The results showed the well dispersed spherical magnetite nanoparticles with size of 20 nm were formed over the nano-adsorbent while the surface area was calculated to be 325 m2/g. The Designed experimental data by employing response surface method indicated that the adsorption temperature and pH have the synergic effect on the competitive adsorption of Pb(II), Cr(VI) and Hg(II) in the liquid phase. The maximum removal efficiencies were calculated to be 91.5, 62.05 and 82.7 for Pb (II), Cr(VI) and Hg(II) at the optimal operating conditions, respectively.