Valorization of a natural residue (sawdust) as adsorbent to remove the acetic acid in aqueous solutions

The objective of this work seeks a double environmental aspect. On the one hand, a valorization of a natural residue (sawdust) as adsorbent; and, on the other hand, the study of its ability to remove the acetic acid in aqueous phase. The raw sawdust was prepared by alkaline treatment and calcination at 250 degrees C. The physicochemical characterization was carried out by thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and analysis of the specific surface area by BET method. The effect of the initial concentration, contact time, stirring speed, adsorbent mass, solution temperature and ionic strength was studied in batch mode. The adsorption kinetics of acetic acid follows a pattern of pseudo-second-order with the contribution of the intraparticle diffusion. The results of the adsorption equilibrium were analyzed by three models (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin). The results are of interest and encourage us to test other potential chemical pollutants of water.