Removal of Arsenic and Lead with activated carbon from Crescentia cujete L “Huingo” in mining effluents

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate the removal capacity of “Huingo” activated carbon from the heavy metals of arsenic and lead in a mining effluent. The study was applied with a quantitative approach, experimental design, 6 treatments were considered; T0 (control group) and 5 treatments (experimental groups) the dose of 5 g, 10 g and 15 g of powdered and granular activated carbon was taken into account, the protocol was used for sampling wastewater effluents, the sample was 50 L of effluent water, it was kept refrigerated at 4 - 8 °C, 2 L was taken for initial analyzes of arsenic and lead concentration, the preparation of activated carbon began with pre-drying in the open air for 14 days , after that it was dried in a muffle for 24 hours, once dry, it was crushed and impregnated with 85% phosphoric acid, then carbonization was carried out at a temperature of 25°C to 1400°C, with a speed heating at 20°C per minute, the activated carcbon obtained was ground and washed with distilled water to eliminate impurities. After washing, it was left to dry for later use in the absorption of heavy
metals. Regarding the results, there was an initial concentration of 0.659 mg/L of arsenic and 0.2 mg/L of lead, exceeding the maximum permissible limits. The experimental analyzes were carried out, finding the optimal dose of 15 g of activated carbon powder with a value of removal of 85% for Arsenic and 88% for lead; Therefore, activated carbon can be an alternative to minimize the negative impacts of heavy metals on the environment.