DOI: https://doi.org/10.9767/jcerp.20715

Adsorption of TBP from wastewater using lignite-derived activated carbon

1Faculty of Energy Science, Kim II Sung University, Pyongyang 999093, North Korea

2Analytical Measurement Laboratory, Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang 999093, North Korea

Received: 19 Apr 2026; Revised: 28 Apr 2026; Accepted: 30 Apr 2026; Available online: 6 May 2026; Published: 26 Dec 2026.
Editor(s): Istadi Istadi
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group
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Abstract

This study aimed to describe the adsorption behavior of tributyl phosphate on carbonaceous GAC and determine whether it might be more promising than conventional inorganic adsorbents in the adsorption treatment of organic wastewater. This carbonaceous granular activated carbon (GAC) was prepared by steam activation of crushed and carbonized lignite. It has a well-developed pore structure, with about 20% of the pores being micropores (<1.7 nm), 65% mesopores (2-30 nm), and 15% macropores (>50 nm). Moreover, the surface contains functional groups such as -OH, C=C, and C-O-C. The higher the solid-liquid ratio (SLR), the higher the TBP adsorption amount and adsorption rate of carbonaceous GAC. At a SLR of 1:100, the TBP adsorption capacity of carbonaceous GAC with lignite is 38.7 mg/g, the adsorption rate is 96.2%, and under the same conditions, commercial coconut-shell GAC is 39.8 mg/g and 99.6%. The adsorption equilibrium time was 120 min. The cost of the proposed carbonaceous GAC is less than one-fifth that of imported commercial coconut shell GAC, indicating its superior applicability and affordability.

Keywords: TBP (tributyl phosphate), lignite; GAC (granular activated carbon); adsorption amount; equilibration time; adsorption rate
Funding: none

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Section: Original Research Articles
Language : EN
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