Removal of Lead by Reverse Fluidization Using Granular Activated Carbon

The adsorption of lead ions on granular activated carbon (GAC) and removal of lead as heavy metal using GAC studied in a reverse fluidized bed. GAC is suitable adsorbent particularly to remove heavy metals from water. A fluidized bed was more suitable technology for GAC, due to its certain advantages over packed bed. The only problem arises in fluidized bed is the low density (0.44 g/cm3) of GAC, which makes it to float on the liquid surface. A simple concept of reverse fluidized bed can be a better replacement. Experimental investigations were carried out in a reverse fluidized bed. Result for removal efficiency of GAC with change in concentration of solution, change in pH of solution, change in bed height of GAC, change in residence time was investigated. It was observed that % removal of lead increases with an increase in bed height and time, where as it gets decreased with an increase in initial lead concentration and pH of the solution.