Activated Carbon Processed Fromcitrus Sinensis: Synthesis, Characterization And Application For Adsorption-Based Separation Of Toxic Pesticides From Soils

Citrus sinensis peels activated carbon synthesis was done by means of sulfuric acid activation. Activated carbon was analysed by SEM, XRD, UV-Vis and FT-IR. Two concentrations of pesticides; Thiencarbazone-methyl, Isopyrazam and Zoxamide were separated from ten agricultural and contaminated soils. Removal potential was evaluated for a time span of 3 and 6 hours. Maximum elimination was detected in soil S5 (65% and 92% for 5 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L, respectively) for Thiencarbazone-methyl, 89% and 96% for Isopyrazam and 84% and 88% for Zoxamide. Results of the current work supports the efficient removal achieved with the prepared activated carbon.