Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)
Session: 4
Jamal Gilmore - Howard University
Co-Author(s): Mouhamed Ndoye, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
The presence of heavy metals in drinking water can be detrimental to all species highly dependent on water for adequate health. The effects of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, copper, zinc and cadmium on human health have been studied and proven to pose health threats. Excessive ingestion of them can cause accumulative poisoning, cancer, nervous system damage, etc. High levels of copper can damage the liver, and have drastic effects on the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, removal of copper from drinking water is important for improving the quality and quantity of life. Chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, ion exchange and adsorption are some the most commonly used methods to remove heavy metals from fluids; there are benefits and limitations to each application, but all have proven to reduce concentration levels of metals.
Activated carbon is an absorbent that is growing in popularity for the removal of many organic substances in fluids. There has been promising studies conducted on removal of inorganic ions by activated carbon, but they are sparse. Studies have been conducted to compare the adsorption of copper with azadirachta indica (neem) cakes after calcination and chemical activation; the study compared the importance of the order of activation, and showed that calcination before chemical activation is more beneficial for effective adsorption. Previous studies have also used activated carbon under many different processes and precursors to find the best absorbent. The main objective of this study is to investigate optimum process and conditions for the absorbent to remove copper II from drinking water.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Howard University Gear Up Program
Faculty Advisor: Mouhamed Ndoye, ndoyeline@gmail.com
Role: Separate oil cakes. Calcinate oil cakes. Run porosity and various measurements. Clean and activate carbon products. Conduct adsorption tests and measure results.