Experimental and modeling of fixed-bed column study for phenolic compounds removal by graphite oxide

Removal of phenol and bisphenol A by cost-effective graphite oxide was investigated in continuous column experiments. The parameters of the column process were investigated at different bed heights (0.50, 1.50, and 4.50 cm) and different flow rates (1.06, 0.50, and 0.25 mL min-1). The initial concentration was fixed at 4.70 mg L-1. The phenolic-compounds removal was optimized in the column with a high bed height and a low flow rate. The experimental data under various conditions were well fitted to the Thomas and El Naas kinetic models. The experimental fixed-bed capacities were better fitted by the nonlinear fixed-bed capacities than the linear values, validating the nonlinear Thomas model. Furthermore, the El Naas method determined the 50 % breakthrough time of the phenolic compounds with a very low percentage error. The bed-depth service time (BDST) models of phenol and bisphenol A removal were successfully scaled up to continuous experiments with no need for further experimental data and analysis.

Automated summary

In this study, the removal of phenol and bisphenol A by cost-effective graphite oxide in continuous column experiments was investigated. The findings showed that the phenolic-compounds removal was optimized in the column with a high bed height and a low flow rate. The experimental data were well fitted to the Thomas and El Naas kinetic models.