Adsorption using activated carbon (AC) is a simple, low cost process devoid of by-products
generation and it simultaneously removes a wide range of pollutants present in low
concentrations. However, multicomponent adsorption studies are relatively scarce in
literature. Substantial removal of the pollutants from aqueous solutions may be achieved
either by altering the process conditions such as initial concentration, pH, mass of adsorbent
or by using better adsorbents. This dependence of adsorption capacity on process condition
and mixture composition has not been holistically investigated in literature and forms the
scope of the current work. Acetaminophen, benzotriazole and caffeine, representing a
paracetamol, washing agent and beverage stimulant respectively were chosen as the model
compounds. Insights gained from investigations on ternary mixture equilibrium using
statistical physics based model and batch kinetics through flux analysis are explained. Novel
optimization analyses involving modified ridge analysis developed for mixture-process
variable (MPV) design has been demonstrated for identifying the steepest response path
towards global optimum. Finally, the results from the application of optimum adsorbent and
conditions in continuous column packed bed adsorption are discussed.
The results from this work would find applications in optimized wastewater treatment
involving pollutants from different sources. Further, wastewater containing pharmaceutical
compounds, beverage components and washing detergent components discharged from
households including kitchens, washing machines and washrooms may be potentially treated
in the housing complex itself thereby recycling the grey water or recharging the groundwater.