Removal of copper from aqueous solution using newspaper pulp as an adsorbent

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Copper contamination in aqueous media poses environmental and health risks.
• Developing cost-effective and efficient adsorbents is crucial for water remediation.
• Waste materials like newspaper pulp offer a sustainable source for adsorbent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of newspaper pulp as an adsorbent for copper (Cu) removal from aqueous solutions.
• To analyze the adsorption behavior, kinetics, and thermodynamics of Cu onto newspaper pulp.
• To evaluate newspaper pulp as a low-cost alternative for copper remediation.

Main Methods:

• Batch adsorption experiments were conducted varying contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature (303–323 K).
• Adsorption data were fitted using isotherm models (Freundlich, Langmuir, D-R, R-P) and kinetic models (Lagergren first-order, pseudo-second-order).
• Thermodynamic parameters (free energy, enthalpy, entropy) were determined using the Langmuir isotherm.

Main Results:

• Newspaper pulp demonstrated significant copper adsorption capacity, with a maximum loading of 30 mg/g at 20 mg/L initial Cu concentration.
• Adsorption efficiency increased with increasing solution pH.
• The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich, Langmuir, and R-P isotherm models provided the best fit for the experimental data.
• Thermodynamic analysis indicated a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process, with physical adsorption confirmed by activation energy results.

Conclusions:

• Newspaper pulp is a promising, low-cost adsorbent for efficient copper removal from aqueous environments.
• The adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic, and primarily physical in nature.
• This study highlights the potential of utilizing recycled newspaper pulp for sustainable water treatment applications.