Iron removal from liquid effluents by olive stones on adsorption column: breakthrough curves

Removal of metal ions from industrial wastewaters is vital for the development of industries. Adsorption is the most used operation when metal ions are in low concentrations in the effluent. In this study, adsorption of iron by olive stones column was investigated. The inlet iron concentrations used were 5 and 20 mg/L. The observed experimental data highlight breakthrough curves with non-ideal behaviour. In the breakthrough curves, a main mass transfer zone (MTZ) was identified. A modified Thomas model was used to predict the experimental results in the MTZ. Column parameters were evaluated by using MTZ concept. Finally, the column regeneration studies were carried out for three adsorption-desorption cycles. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.