On The Efficacy of Activated Carbon Derived From Bamboo in the Adsorption of Water Contaminants

A comparison of adsorption efficiency of the three Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) produced from waste Nigerian Bamboo at different level of activation in a fixed adsorption bed is reported. Bamboo carbonization was done at temperature range of 200-400c and chemically activated at 400c with chloride salt at percentage range of 0-20%. The 0, 10 and 20% level activation were selected for water treatment and comparison, based on surface pore area and pore space. There are noticeable differences in adsorptive capacity as well as time interval to attain a fixed level of contaminant removal. The 10% is more effective in adsorption of physical and biological pollutant parameters as compared to 0 and 20%. The raw water passed through the fixed bed was treated effectively with effluent conforming to established standards. The GAC produced from Nigerian bamboo has been established to have maximum adsorptive capacity within 24 hours of use and can reduce effectively most organic and inorganic contaminants found in surface water.