Differential sorption behaviour of aromatic hydrocarbons on charcoals prepared at different temperatures from grass and wood.

Naturally occurring charcoals are increasingly being recognized as effective sorbents for organic compounds. In this study we investigated the sorption of benzene and toluene in single-sorbate and bi-sorbate systems on different types of charcoals produced in laboratory, employing the batch sorption technique. Air dried plant materials from Phalaris grass (Phalaris tuberosa) and Red Gum wood (Eucalyptus camadulensis) were combusted under limited oxygen supply at 250 degrees C, 450 degrees C, and 850 degrees C.