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Devesh Mahajan
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Removal of heavy metals from wastewater is critical to safeguard public health and the environment. Activated carbon filters—owing to their high surface area, porous structure, and tunable surface chemistry—have been widely studied for sequestering ions such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury. This manuscript presents a comprehensive study focused on pre-2014 technologies: synthesis of granular and powdered activated carbon (GAC/PAC) from coconut shell and coal precursors; characterization by BET surface area and SEM; batch and column adsorption experiments; and statistical analysis of adsorption isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich) and kinetic models (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order). A single table summarizes key adsorption parameters drawn from laboratory trials. The methodology outlines preparation, experimental design, and analytical procedures (AAS). Results demonstrate removal efficiencies exceeding 95 % under optimal conditions (pH, contact time, dosage). Identified research gaps include regeneration cycles, micropore accessibility, competitive ion effects, and scale-up challenges. Conclusions underscore the efficacy of activated carbon filtration in 2014-era engineering practice and suggest directions for future work.
Keywords
heavy metals, activated carbon, adsorption isotherms, wastewater treatment, 2014 engineering
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