Adsorption of a series of lower aliphatic and different unsaturated organic acids from their aqueous solutions on the surface of activated carbons, prepared from indigenous precursors like wood (Acacia arabica), rice husk (low ash) and lignitic coal (Lakhra) have been studied. It has been found that adsorption pattern follows Traube's rule and to a large extent depends upon porosity and chemical nature/surface of the adsorbent. It has further been established that the degree of adsorption of a particular acid depends upon the polarity of carboxylic group, the length of side chain as well as the nature or type of bonding. Freundlich and Langmuir plots were drawn and their constants calculated and elucidated. It has also been inferred that active carbons prepared from cellulosic precursors have proven better towards the acid adsorption as compared to that prepared from lignitic coal.


TANZIL H USMANI ,A H K YOUSUFZAI ,TAMOOR WAHAB AHMAD ,M TAHIR MOTON ,