Optimisation of eggshell-zeolite composite as a potential surfactant adsorbent for hand-washing wastewater
Medard Turyasingura, Joel Wakatuntu, Michael Lubwama, Joseph Jjagwe, Oliver Hensel, Peter Wilberforce Olupot
Abstract
Surfactants present in handwashing wastewater impede performance of biological treatment processes. In this study, design expert software was used to optimise a composite adsorbent from eggshells and zeolite for removal of surfactants. Percentage of eggshells in the composite, calcination time and temperature were design parameters while chemical oxygen demand (COD) was indicator for surfactants. Optimal parameters were 31.6%, 1.4h and 310.9 °C for eggshells percentage, calcination time and temperature, respectively. Resultant adsorbent had methylene blue number, surface area, pore diameter and COD removal of 95mg/g, 26m2g−1, 10nm and 88%, respectively. These parameters and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms confirm effective mesoporous structured adsorbent.