REMOVAL OF MANGANESE (II) AND IRON (II) FROM POLLUTED WATER BY ADSORPTION ON ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CARBON FROM SALIX AEGYPTIACA

Pollution of groundwater wells with the heavy metals of Manganese (II) and Iron (II) is a serious problem that occurs at numerous locations in Egypt.  Many clay deposits naturally contain these two heavy metals inherited from their parent rocks.  In many cases in Egypt, Manganese and Iron may be released from these clay deposits to pollute groundwater wells.  Removal of Mn(II) and Fe(II) from such waters is essential before use, especially as drinking water. 
  This work examines the activated charcoal that is obtained from the trunk wood of Salix aegyptiaca (“Al-Sefsaaf” tree) as adsorbent material.  It is newly introduced as a cheap, environmentally friendly adsorbent material to remove heavy metals from polluted water using fixed bed column technique. The objective of this work is to experimentally investigate the parameter values for preparation and use of this adsorbent material for efficient removal of Mn(II) and Fe(II) from polluted water. 
Activated carbons were prepared from Salix aegyptiaca, by chemical activation using hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride solution. Experimental results showed that (20% hydrochloric acid and 6.0 N zinc chloride) are the best combination for preparation treatment of the activated charcoal.  In a fixed column bed, with 5.0 liters solution volume, and 1.24 and 4.18 mg/l concentrations of Mn(II) and Fe(II); respectively.  The obtained values for best adsorption removal efficiency are: contact time of 40 minutes, pH at 7.0 to 8.0, and charcoal dose of 60 g.   
Results  show that adsorption capacity of the activated charcoal is thought to be higher than the obtained values, and it is recommended for further investigation.  It is concluded that the newly introduced activated charcoal from Salix aegyptiaca is appropriate for use in adsorption removal of iron (II) and manganese (II) from polluted waters at normal pollution levels, and even higher pollutant concentrations up to 10 mg/l.  At higher pollutant concentrations, the polluted water should go through more than one run to reach the permissible limits for use.