An adsorption study of Sr²⁺ from saline sources by coconut shell charcoal

<p>The adsorption potential of charcoal for the removal of heavy metal ions is well documented in the literature. However, its exploration for uptake of technologically valuable metal ions such as Sr²⁺ is poorly known. In this work, the batch adsorption study of Sr²⁺ ion from aqueous solution as well as from saline matrix (>3% of NaCl) onto charcoal has been carried out. The experiments were conducted with two charcoals, i.e., our prepared charcoal (coconut shell charcoal) and commercial charcoal. Strontium adsorption has been investigated as a function of its initial concentration, contact time, and varied mass of adsorbent. Equilibrium adsorption data were evaluated for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption capacities (mg/g) of Sr²⁺ present in the salt matrix onto coconut shell charcoal and commercial charcoal was found to be 18.4 and 22.2, respectively. Uptake of Sr²⁺ from subsoil brine onto coconut shell charcoal has been successfully demonstrated in this work.</p