Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution in trickle tray adsorber using non-woven fabric modified via radiation-assisted functionalization

An investigation into Cu(II) adsorption from contaminated water utilizing a trickle tray column that has been upscaled from batch-scale adsorption was performed to understand the efficacy of the adsorbent when used in a continuous system-which is more common in actual use in an industry. The size of the functionalized fabric adsorbent selected in a pilot-scale is about four times larger than a batch-scale. The continuous Cu(II) adsorption was analyzed using three parameters: initial Cu(II) concentration in solution; inlet solution flow rate and number of adsorbent sheets in the column to estimate the adsorption process's breakthrough curve results. The breakthrough curve results were fitted with three mathematical models by Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart to comprehend the mechanisms of the adsorption process. All three mathematical models can be used to reliably describe the continuous adsorption process using diverse conditions applied in this study. Overall results showed that PBMEP-g-PE/PP adsorbent using the trickle tray column demonstrated as high as 97% efficiency of Cu(II) adsorption during the first 6 h. Three-cycle reutilization of the adsorbent through a process of adsorption-desorption revealed that Cu(II) removal efficiency surpassed 70% after 6 h of each cycle, confirming the suitability of this system for practical application.