Removal of heavy metals from wastewater by activated carbon with high adsorption capacity
Activated carbon, known for its porous structure and large surface area, has a remarkable ability to adsorb heavy metals.
When wastewater containing heavy metals comes into contact with activated carbon, the heavy metal ions are attracted and bound to the surface of the activated carbon through various mechanisms such as physical adsorption, chemical adsorption, and ion exchange. Physical adsorption occurs due to van der Waals forces, while chemical adsorption involves the formation of chemical bonds between the heavy metal ions and the functional groups on the activated carbon surface. Ion exchange takes place when the heavy metal ions replace other ions already adsorbed on the activated carbon.