Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol in a micro-packed bed adsorber by activated carbon from Coffea arabica fruit endocarp

Activated carbon, obtained by phosphoric acid activation of Coffea arabica fruit endocarp, was used to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol from aqueous solutions in a micro-packed bed adsorber. In batch experiments, effects such as initial concentration, solution's pH, and temperature on adsorption were investigated. It was found that acidic pH is favourable and that the adsorption isotherm is best represented by the Langmuir model. In continuous experiments, the effect of inlet concentration, bed length, and flow rate on the adsorption capacity of the micro-packed bed adsorber were evaluated. Adsorption capacities were higher than those obtained in batch experiments. Inlet concentration and bed length show a significant effect on the adsorption capacity. Breakthrough curves were very well fitted by axial dispersion model. Additionally, breakthrough profiles indicate a particle-controlled process, which suggest a negligible external mass transfer resistance.