PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A FIXED-BED COLUMN PACKED WITH POLYLACTIC ACID and TREATED KAOLIN ADSORBENTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF Fe and Cu from ABATTOIR EFFLUENT

Abattoir wastewater is a significant source of heavy metal contamination, posing a serious threat to water quality and public health. This study examines the performance of a laboratory-scale fixed-bed packed column designed for the removal of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) ions using an innovative blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and kaolin clay treated with NaCl as adsorbents. The adsorbents were prepared via eco-friendly methods to enhance adsorption efficiency, mechanical strength, and sustainability. Column experiments were conducted under varying operational parameters, including a bed height of 5 to 10 cm, flow rate of 4 ml/min, and influent concentrations for Fe and Cu of 15.345 mg/l and 1.252 mg/l, respectively, to evaluate breakthrough curves and model the system. From the results obtained, the column demonstrated maximum adsorption performance at a bed height of 5 cm for Fe removal and 10 cm for Cu removal, with a flow rate of 4 mL/min. The PLA–kaolin hybrid demonstrated improved binding affinity, longer breakthrough time, and high affinity for Fe and Cu ions. Kinetic modeling confirmed the suitability of the Thomas model and Yoon–Nelson’s models in predicting adsorption dynamics, with a good correlation (R² > 0.95), unlike the Adam–Bohart model. This work highlights the potential of bio-based polymer–clay adsorbents for low-cost, sustainable, and efficient treatment of industrial wastewater in fixed-bed systems.