A continuous fixed bed study was carried out by using PAN-oxime-nano Fe2O3 as a sorbent for the removal of nitrate from aqueous solution. The effect of factors, such as flow rate (2, 5 and 7 mL/min) and bed depth (5, 10 and 15 cm) were studied. Data confirmed that the breakthrough curves were dependent on flow rate and bed depth. The adsoption capacities observed in diffent conditions of flow rates (2,5 and 7 mL/min) were 11.65, 24.38 and 25.89, respectively. Thomas model was applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves using linear regression and to determine the characteristic parameters of the packed bed column. Bed depth/service time analysis (BDST) model was used to investigate the effect of bed depth on breakthrough curves. The results showed that Thomas model was suitable for the normal description of breakthrough curve at the experimental condition. The data were in good agreement with BDST model with R(2) > 0.98. Statistical analyses were performed on fluoride removal obtained from different flow rates using SPSS16 software by applying Kruskal- Wallis test. These findings suggested that PAN-oxime-nano Fe2O3 in the column structure presents a great potential in removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions.
Keywords: Breakthrough curve; Niatrate; PAN-oxime-nano Fe2O3; Packed bed column; Sorption.