Adsorption process onto an innovative eggshell-derived low-cost adsorbent in simulated effluent and real industrial effluents

Abstract

As the current global trend towards more stringent environmental standards, technical applicability and cost-effectiveness became key factors in the selection of adsorbents for water and wastewater treatment. Adsorption is by far the most versatile and widely used method for the removal of pollutants due to its high removal capacity and ease of operation at large scale. Recently, various low-cost adsorbents derived from agricultural waste, industrial by-products or natural materials, have been intensively investigated. In this respect, the eggshells from egg-breaking operations constitute significant waste disposal problems for the food industry, so the development of value-added by-products from this waste is to be welcomed. The egg processing industry is very competitive, with low profit margins due to global competition and cheap imports. Additionally, the costs associated with the egg shell disposal (mainly on landfill sites) are significant, and expected to continue increasing as landfill taxes increase. The aim of the present was to provide an overview on the adsorption process both on simulated and real effluents onto eggshell-derived adsorbent. This was accomplished by analyzing the uptake potential for selected contaminants. Real wastewater effluents were studied to determine the effectiveness of this low cost adsorbent. Results obtained shown that eggshell can remove several pollutants from different types of aqueous systems, with great efficiency.