Removal of quinoline from aqueous solutions by lignite, coking coal and anthracite. Adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics

Based on the concept of circular economy, a novel method of industrial organic wastewater treatment by using adsorption on coal is introduced. Coal is used to adsorb organic pollutants from coking wastewaters. After adsorption, the coal would be used for its original purpose, its value is not reduced and the pollutant is thus recycled. Through systemic circulation of coking wastewater zero emissions can be achieved. Lignite, coking coal and anthracite were used as adsorbents in batch experiments. The quinoline removal efficiency of coal adsorption was investigated. The coking coal and anthracite exhibited properties well-suited for adsorption onto both adsorbents. The experimental data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms as well as Temkin, Redlich–Peterson (R-P) and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models. Both Freundlich Isotherm and D-R model provided reasonable models of the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters of quinoline adsorption on coking coal were calculated. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process is exothermic and is a physical adsorption. The △S° value indicated that the adsorption entropy decreased because the adsorbate molecule was under restrictions after it adsorption on the coal surface. The coal adsorption method for removing refractory organic pollutants is a great hope for achieving zero emission waste water for a coking plant.