(449cc) Removal of Metals Form Industrial Wastewater Using Pecan Shell Based Activated Carbon

Hydraulic Fracturing (HF) technology, one of the frequently employed natural gas extraction method, involves the injection of water-based fluid and sand mixture (99% water) along a horizontal well bore to create a series of thin fractures in the shale. Over time, the fluids recovered are rich in natural, sub-surface compounds, known as produced water. The global production of produced water is estimated to be 250 million barrels daily. Produced water typically contains a wide range of suspended solids, dissolved solids, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and dissolved metals. Owning to the water problems across the world, treatment and reuse of water is crucial. Adsorption has been increasingly used as one of the alternative treatment techniques for wastewater treatment. Activated carbon based on agricultural waste has shown good adsorption capacity towards metals and organic contaminants. Due to its high specific surface area (1000-1500 m²/g), pore-size control, and presence of crucial functional groups such as carboxylic acid group and hydroxylic group, activated carbon is more efficient as well as economical compared to other treatment techniques. Activated carbons are prepared by either chemical or physical activation processes that create and enhance the pore size and functional groups. Researchers have been using acid treatment as a form of chemical activation and have showed good results. This presentation will include the results of activation of pecan shell based adsorbent by acid and base treatment, and characterization of adsorbent.