Comparative Studies of the Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metals adsorption Capacity of Chemical Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel, Coconut and Groundnut Shells

Comparative studies of the physicochemical properties of chemical activated carbon from palm kernel (PKS), coconut (CNS) and groundnut (GNS) shells were investigated. The properties investigated were pH, moisture content, specific gravity, BET surface area, pore volume, porosity, ash content and metal ions present. From the results obtained, the chemical activated carbon prepared from palm kernel, coconut and groundnut shells shows good physicochemical properties and adsorption capacity. However coconut shell with BET surface area 1177.520 (m²/g), potassium content of 179.33ppm and pH 7.5, having a better advantage to be used as organic fertilizer compare to groundnut shell with BET surface area 950.069 (m²/g), potassium content of 140.00ppm & pH 8.4 and palm kernel shell with BET surface area 717.142(m²/g), potassium content of 128.00ppm and pH 8.7 respectively in that order. Also, coconut shell with pore diameter of 2.840e+00, specific gravity of 1.42 & moisture content of 19.7% makes it a prefer option compare to groundnut shell with pore diameter of 2.920e+00, specific gravity of 148 & moisture content of 19.8% and palm kernel shell with pore diameter of 2.840e+00, specific gravity of 1.61 and moisture content of 20.4% respectively.

Keywords
Chemical activated carbons; physicochemical properties; BET surface area and heavy metals