Iron(III) oxide impregnated on activated carbon for the removal of N, P and K from aqueous solution

Mohd Noh, Nornajiha (2025) Iron(III) oxide impregnated on activated carbon for the removal of N, P and K from aqueous solution. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Agriculture sector serve as contributor toward water contamination which can be negatively impact the clean water sources. Nutrient contamination from N, P and K from the agriculture effluent must be mitigated to avoid eutrophication in reservoirs and lakes. This study aims to evaluate the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of N, P and K from aqueous solution by using iron-impregnated activated carbon (AC). AC was activated by 0.1M KMnO4 with different metal loadings were synthesized using the conventional impregnation method. XRD analysis revealed the typical amorphous peaks for AC becoming less prominent with the increases of peaks comprised of Fe2O3, Fe(NO3)3.9H2O and Fe(OH)2 peaks especially in 9Fe-AC. FTIR result found that the higher metal loading exhibited more intense hydroxyl group in the IR spectra due to the presence of Fe substrate contribute to increase of surface area. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms indicated suitable for microporous materials with the highest BET surface area (SBET) at 729.67 m²/g for 5Fe-AC. It is higher than AC alone due to presence of Fe substrate capable in forming the Fe2O3. Adsorption studies identified optimal conditions for each nutrient where N adsorption achieved 87.89 mg/g capacity and 99.88% removal efficiency with 0.1 g of 1Fe-AC at an initial concentration of 110 mg/mL. P adsorption reached 19.01 mg/g capacity and 96.39% removal efficiency using 0.4 g of 3Fe-AC at 100 mg/mL. For K, 0.1 g of 7Fe-AC at 80 mg/mL exhibited a capacity of 59.03 mg/g and 94.08% removal efficiency. Post-adsorption analysis revealed surface morphology changes and shifts in elemental composition which consistent with the FTIR and SEM-EDX results. Variations in adsorptive site requirements for N, P, and K were observed, with optimal performance at 1%, 3%, and 7% Fe-AC, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of Fe-AC as effective adsorbents for nutrient removal, contributing to sustainable water resource management.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry
Faculty:	Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science
Depositing User:	Mr. Azman Mohamad
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2025 07:58
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 07:58
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2645

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