Adsorption Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Effect of ortho-Substitution to Benzoic Acid in Aqueous Phase Using Granular Activated Carbon

Abstract

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics studies of effect of ortho-substituted benzoic acid in aqueous phase using granular activated carbon were investigated. The granular activated carbon (GAC) obtained from bituminous type coal having a surface area of 998 m2/g and loosely bounded and open pores morphology. The adorbates selected for this study was benzoic acid and its ortho-derivatives namely; salicylic acid, phthalic acid and o-toluic acid. The solubility of adsorbate in solvent affected the adsorption behaviour more pronouncly. The order of adsorption for adsorbates was found to be as: benzoic acid > salicylic acid > o-toluic acid > phthalic acid.