Marzieh Bagheri - Department of Chemical Engineering, Jami Institute of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
Mohammad Nasiri - Department of Chemistry, Malekashtar University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
Amirreza Talaiekhozani - Department of Civil Engineering, Jami Institute of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
Iman Abedi - Department of Chemical Engineering, Jami Institute of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.

Background: In this pioneering work, the comparisons conducted on the elimination efficiency of formaldehyde by rice bran and the resulting ashes utilized in the adsorption process. Methods: In this study the optimal hydraulic retention time, temperature, pH value and adsorbents dosage for the elimination of formaldehyde using three adsorbents including rice bran, ashes of rice bran produced in ۳۰۰°C (Carbon-۳۰۰) and in ۵۰۰°C (Carbon-۵۰۰) were determined. The method of one factor at the time was used to optimize the above mentioned factors. Results: The best adsorption conditions for ۱۰۰۰ mg/L of formaldehyde and ۱ g of adsorbent in acidic environment (pH = ۴) is reported at ۸۰°C (with elimination percentage of ۷۰%w/w for rice bran, ۸۳%w/w for carbon-۳۰۰ and ۹۰%w/w for carbon-۵۰۰). Also it was revealed that the adsorption of formaldehyde by rice bran adsorbent and Carbon-۳۰۰ is a function of Langmuir adsorption isotherm while the resulting carbon in ۵۰۰°C is a function of Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Conclusion: In all experiments, the rice bran ashes showed much greater capacity for formaldehyde removal than one for rice bran. Rice bran is an ideal option in terms availability and the resulting waste could be eliminated through incineration.

Natural adsorbent, Adsorption, Environment, Carbon, Waste water