Removal of chlorophenols from aqueous solutions by sorption onto walnut, pistachio and hazelnut shells

The efficiency of walnut, pistachio and hazelnut shells to remove three monochlorophenols (2-CP, 3-CP and 4-CP) from aqueous solutions has been investigated. To describe the kinetic data pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models were used. The kinetics data were fitted better into the pseudo-second order model with the coefficient of determination values greater than 0.99. The k₂ values increased in the order 4-CP < 3-CP < 2-CP. Sorption was also analyzed as a function of solution concentration at equilibrium. The experimental data received were found to be well described by the Freundlich isotherm equation. Effectiveness of chlorophenols removal from water on the walnut, pistachio and hazelnut shells was comparable. Individual differences in sorption of monochlorophenols were also negligible.