Widi Astuti, Rizki Agus Hermawan, Hariono Mukti, Nurul Retno Sugiyono
Activated carbon was prepared from mangrove propagule by chemical activation using H3PO4. In the chemical activation process, the specific surface area increases from 187.18 m2/g to 267.45 m2/g and new pores are created. Furthermore, the activated carbon was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution. Batch studies were performed to address various experimental parameters including pH, contact time, and initial concentration for the removal of Pb2+. Effective pH for Pb2+ removal was 4. The uptake of adsorbate species is fast at initial stages of the contact period, and it becomes slower near the equilibrium. Quasi-equilibrium reached in 180 min. © 2016 Author(s).
Chemical Engineering Department, Semarang State University, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia
