Fixed-bed adsorption for the removal of iron and manganese onto palm fruit bunch and maize cob

The sorption of iron and manganese onto palm fruit bunch and maize cob in a fixed-bed column was studied. The influence of process variables such as the bed height, the solution flow rate and the percentage breakthrough were investigated. The experimental results showed that the adsorbents used removed the studied metal ions effectively. The Bed Depth Service Time Model (BDST) was used to analyse the experimental data and identify design correlations. The Empty Bed Residence Time (EBRT) model, used for optimising the adsorbent exhaustion rate and the time required for influent to fill the column, was also considered.