A Study of Removal Efficiency and Kinetics of Cadmium Using Activated Carbon Derived from Sulfurized Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge

Vollständiger Abstract

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Cadmium (Cd) pollution in water bodies requires effective treatment methods that utilize sustainable alternative materials. This study aims to analyse the efficiency of Cd removal using sulfur-modified activated carbon derived from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge at varying contact times and to analyse its adsorption kinetics. We converted wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge into activated carbon via KOH activation and Na?S sulfurization. We conducted batch adsorption experiments at different contact times to evaluate Cd removal. Cd(II) removal reached 92.37% within 90 min (initial concentration: 20.32 mg/L, dosage: 2.5 g/L). The removal efficiency increased with contact time and remained relatively stable after 90 min, indicating that adsorption equilibrium had been achieved. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9845), indicating chemisorption driven by sulfur surface sites. Sulfurization modified the chemical properties of the activated carbon surface and enhanced its affinity for Cd. These findings demonstrate the potential of sulfur-modified activated carbon derived from WWTP sludge as a sustainable adsorbent for Cd-contaminated water. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production