Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are gaining significant global demand in multiple development sectors, resulting in greater presence in water sources. In this study, the effects of different treatment techniques were analyzed for the impact on the following REEs: Ce, Nd, Gd, Tb, and Yb. Commercial and biological activated carbon samples proved to be effective adsorbents for REEs at an optimal dose and time of 125 mg • L-1 and 120 minutes, respectively. Activated carbon samples refined from banana and orange peels proved to have a higher adsorption capacity than the commercial alternative. Wastewater treatment processes also proved effectiveness in REE removal, demonstrating nearly 100% removal regardless of the iron (III) chloride dose.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Biondi, Matthew
• Lech, David

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031319-110927

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2019

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• ENSIC

Date created

• 2019-03-13

Location

• Nancy

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright