Copper and Cadmium Adsorption by Activated Carbon Prepared from Coconut Coir

The study examined adsorption of copper and cadmium by the activated carbon prepared from coconut coir. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of metal adsorption was dependent on metal concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Adsorption was low at acidic pH and increased with increase in pH. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for copper and cadmium was evaluated by adsorption isotherm test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. The coconut coir activated carbon showed higher limiting capacity for adsorption of copper and cadmium (84.74 mg/g and 68.03 mg/g) than that of the commercial activated carbon (46.30 mg/g and 14.90 mg/g).