Combination of magnetic activated carbon and activated sludge for methylene blue and nickel(II) ions removal in aerobic biological treatment

In this study, we synthesized magnetic activated carbon (MAC) derived from Litsea glutinosa seeds, which was applied to eliminate methylene blue and nickel ions in the aeration tank of the biological treatment system. Structural characteristics and adsorption properties of MAC were studied. The obtained results revealed that the removal efficiency of these pollutants significantly improved as a combination of MAC and activated sludge, especially in the case of nickel ions removal.