Production of cost-effective activated carbon from tea waste for tannery waste water treatment

In this study, we attempted to develop a cost-effective activated carbon (AC) from local tea waste. AC was synthesized via a pyrolysis process and used it to treat tannery waste-water. A methylene blue adsorption test was then conducted to determine the highest adsorption capability of synthesized AC. The crystal structure and microstructure of AC were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An average crystallite size of 15 nm was measured from XRD while sub-nano meter scale particle size was confirmed from SEM images. Produced AC was then used for the treatment of industrial waste-water that results in a reduction of about 89-97% chromium from water. In addition, other physical parameters (Biochemical oxygen demandchemical oxygen demand turbidity, conductivity, Cr content) were also significantly reduced from the waste-water. These results suggest the use of AC for the treatment of industrial as well as domestic waste-water.

Automated summary

This study aimed to develop a cost-effective activated carbon (AC) from local tea waste for the treatment of tannery wastewater. The synthesized AC showed high adsorption capability in a methylene blue adsorption test. The crystal structure and microstructure of AC were examined using XRD and SEM, which revealed small crystallite size and particle size. The produced AC effectively reduced chromium and other physical parameters in industrial wastewater.