Analysis and modeling of fixed bed column operations on flumequine removal onto activated carbon: pH influence and desorption studies

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 228; pp. 102 - 113
• Main Authors: Sotelo, José Luis, Ovejero, Gabriel, Rodríguez, Araceli, Álvarez, Silvia, García, Juan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Adsorption; Aqueous solutions; Chemical engineering; Desorption; Emerging contaminant; Fixed-bed; Flumequine; Isotherms; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Flumequine; Emerging contaminant; Adsorption; Activated carbon; Fixed-bed
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2013.04.088

•We examine the fixed bed adsorption of antibiotic pharmaceutical by activated carbon.•The design parameters of the fixed bed column were evaluated by the experiments.•Modeling of flumequine adsorption by Thomas model is developed.•The pH on flumequine adsorption is investigated.•Desorption studies were followed by a second cycle of adsorption. Flumequine adsorption from aqueous solutions by activated carbon was carried out in fixed-bed columns. Initially, batch adsorption experiments were developed in order to determine the equilibrium time and the adsorption isotherm of the system. Pseudo-first order, Elovich equation and pseudo-second order models were applied to the experimental data to determine the adsorption kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption system were evaluated, suggesting that chemical interactions could be occurring. In dynamic adsorption, the influence of several operation conditions such as initial concentration, volumetric flow rate and mass of adsorbent was evaluated. Experimental data were fitted to the Thomas model. The adsorption capacity of flumequine-activated carbon at various pH values was investigated. Results showed that pH values lower or higher than 6.3 (natural pH) decreased the adsorption capacity. Desorption studies of flumequine from activated carbon were developed. Experimental adsorption capacity values were fitted to Bangham and intra-particle diffusion models in order to propose and adsorption mechanism.