Sustainable Detoxification of Galvanizing Wastewater Using Potassium Permanganate and Rice Husk-Derived Activated Carbon
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of KMnO4-activated Rice Husk (RH) Carbon for detoxifying industrial wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, particularly those originating from galvanization processes. This research aimed to develop a novel adsorbent, KMnO4-activated RH Carbon, and evaluate its effectiveness in detoxifying wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The adsorbent was prepared by carbonising pre-treated rice husks at 700 °C and subsequently activating with KMnO₄. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and agitation speed on the removal of Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions. The impact of pH on absorption efficiency showed that optimum treatment occurred at pH 7 with 75%, 80%, and 54% remediation for Cu3+, Fe2+, and Zn2+, respectively. For contact time, optimum treatment occurred after 80 minutes of rotation, with the metals having 25%, 67%, and 50% remediation, respectively. Optimum treatment was achieved at a 6g dosage of the activated carbon, with the metals having 75%, 98%, and 91% remediation, respectively. The effect of rotating speed showed that optimum treatment occurred at 100rpm. At 100rpm, the metals had 62%, 85%, and 68% remediation, respectively. Optimal removal efficiencies were observed at a pH of 7, a 80-minute contact time, a 6-g adsorbent dosage per 100 mL of wastewater, and an agitation speed of 150 rpm. Under these conditions, maximum removal efficiencies reached 75% for Cu²⁺, 98% for Fe²⁺, and 91% for Zn²⁺.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Water Resources Engineering , Wastewater Treatment Processes , Environmental and Sustainable Processes , Water Treatment Processes
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Akolade Adebola
0000-0002-6654-6706
Nigeria
Alabi Omotayo
*
0009-0005-0027-5930
Nigeria
Abibat Adebiyi
0009-0001-8963-0505
Nigeria
Publication Date
March 12, 2026
Submission Date
September 2, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 7, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 2