Controlling SO2 by Using Low Cost Adsorbents

Abstract

Sulphur oxides are formed during high temperature combustion processes from the oxidation of sulphur in the air. The principal source of sulphur oxides is sulphur oxide (SO) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂), collectively known as SO_x. SO and SO₂ concentrations are therefore the highest in industrial area. Other important sources are power stations, heating plants, and industrial processes. Long-term exposure to sulphur dioxide may affect lung function, and that exposure to sulphur dioxide enhances the response to allergens in sensitized individuals. The feasibility of using waste materials as adsorbent for air pollutant SOx was evaluated in the present study. The experiments were carried out in laboratory on certain waste materials like Neem leaf powder, orange peel powder, custard apple leaf powder, Horse gram seed powder, Ragi seed powder, mango bark dust, mixed algae, and Neem bark dust. The experimental investigations were carried out by traditional adsorption studies, and they showed that all substances had certain capacity to adsorb SO_x from aqueous solution of SO_x. The order of adsorption by different low cost materials is Mango bark dust > Orange peel powder >Custard apple leaf powder> Neem leaf powder> Horse gram seed powder> Ragi seed powder> Neem bark powder, mixed algae by 98%>95%>88%>82%>80%>78%>77%>74%, respectively. At lower concentration the adsorption is more compared to higher concentration. It is found that the adsorption increases with an increase in surface area.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.62.4.1947