Evaluation of pristine lignin for hazardous-waste treatment
A feasibility study was conducted to assess the utilization of lignin, isolated from a steam-exploded hardwood (Tulip poplar) with 95% ethanol and 0.1n NaOH, as a potential adsorbent for hazardous-waste treatment. Eight organic compounds and two heavy metals were selected to allow comparison of lignin isolates with activated carbon. It was found that the adsorption capacity of lignin for heavy metals (chromium and lead) is comparable to activated carbon, despite a huge divergence in surface area (0.1 mS/g vs. 1000 mS/g). The surface area discrepancy and the extensive aromatic substitution in lignin macromolecule impeded the achievement of an adsorption capacity of lignin for polar organic compounds which would allow it to be cost-competitive with activated carbon although results with phenol and, to a lesser degree, naphthalene indicate significant potential for achieving competitive capacities. A recommended plan for surface area and structural enhancement is presented on the basis that lignin can be developed as an effective and low-cost adsorbent for polar priority pollutants and/or as an ion-exchange resins for heavy-metal wastewater clean-up.
- Research Organization:
- Georgia Inst. of Tech., Atlanta (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6417891
- Report Number(s):
- PB-87-191664/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
WASTE PROCESSING
LIGNIN
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WASTE WATER
ION EXCHANGE
ACTIVATED CARBON
ADSORPTION
LIQUID WASTES
PERFORMANCE
REACTION KINETICS
SOLID WASTES
ADSORBENTS
CARBOHYDRATES
CARBON
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
KINETICS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLYSACCHARIDES
PROCESSING
SACCHARIDES
SORPTION
SURFACE PROPERTIES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
WATER
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)