Removal of Cr(VI) From Aqueous Solution by Turkish Vermiculite: Equilibrium,Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies

Abstract

The adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by Turkish vermiculite were investigated in terms of equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Experimental parameters affecting the removal process such as pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature were studied. Equilibrium adsorption data were evaluated by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich model. The monolayer adsorption capacity of Turkish vermiculite for Cr(VI) was found to be 87.7 mg/g at pH 1.5, 10 g/L adsorbent dosage and 20°C. The mean free energy of adsorption (5.9 kJ/mol) obtained from the D–R isotherm indicated that the type of sorption was essentially physical. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG ^o , ΔH ^o and ΔS ^o ) showed that the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution by the vermiculite was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 20–50°C. Equilibrium data were also tested using the adsorption kinetic models and the results showed that the adsorption processes of Cr(VI) onto Turkish vermiculite followed well pseudo-second order kinetics.     

Removal of Chromium(VI) and Chromium(III) from Aqueous Solution by Grainless Stalk of Corn

Abstract

Grainless stalk of corn (GLSC) was tested for removal of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from aqueous solution at different pH, contact time, temperature, and chromium/adsorbent ratio. The results show that the optimum pH for removal of Cr(VI) is 0.84, while the optimum pH for removal of Cr(III) is 4.6. The adsorption processes of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) onto GLSC were found to follow first-order kinetics. Values of k _ads of 0.037 and 0.018 min^?1 were obtained for Cr(VI) and Cr(III), respectively. The adsorption capacity of GLSC was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm as 7.1 mg g^?1 at pH 0.84 for Cr(VI), and as 7.3 mg g^?1 at pH 4.6 for Cr(III), at 20°C. At the optimum pH for Cr(VI) removal, Cr(VI) reduces to Cr(III). EPR spectroscopy shows the presence of Cr(V) + Cr(III)-bound-GLSC at short contact times and adsorbed Cr(III) as the final oxidation state of Cr(VI)-treated GLSC. The results indicate that, at pH ≈ 1, GLSC can completely remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution through an adsorption-coupled reduction mechanism to yield adsorbed Cr(III) and the less toxic aqueous Cr(III), which can be further removed at pH 4.6.     

Comparison of Cr(VI) Adsorption Using Synthetic Schwertmannite Obtained by Fe3+ Hydrolysis and Fe2+ Oxidation: Kinetics,Isotherms and Adsorption Mechanism

Good sorption properties and simple synthesis route make schwertmannite an increasingly popular adsorbent. In this work, the adsorption properties of synthetic schwertmannite towards Cr(VI) were investigated. This study aimed to compare the properties and sorption performance of adsorbents obtained by two methods: Fe³⁺ hydrolysis (SCH_A) and Fe²⁺ oxidation (SCH_B). To characterise the sorbents before and after Cr(VI) adsorption, specific surface area, particle size distribution, density, and zeta potential were determined. Additionally, optical micrographs, SEM, and FTIR analyses were performed. Adsorption experiments were performed in varying process conditions: pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration. Adsorption isotherms were fitted by Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion models were used to fit the kinetics data. Linear regression was used to estimate the parameters of isotherm and kinetic models. The maximum adsorption capacity resulting from the fitted Langmuir isotherm is 42.97 and 17.54 mg·g⁻¹ for SCH_A and SCH_B. Results show that the adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Both iron-based adsorbents are suitable for removing Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Characterisation of the adsorbents after adsorption suggests that Cr(VI) adsorption can be mainly attributed to ion exchange with SO₄²⁻ groups.     

Adsorption Characteristics of Chromium(VI) Ions onto Fe(III)-Coordinated Amino-Functionalized Poly(glycidylmethacrylate)-Grafted TiO2-Densified Cellulose

An investigation was conducted with a newly developed adsorbent, iron(III)- coordinated amino-functionalized poly(glycidylmethacrylate)-grafted TiO₂-densified cellulose (Fe(III)-AM-PGDC) on the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed under various conditions of time, pH, concentration, dose, ionic strength, and temperature. Adsorption of Cr(VI) on Fe(III)-AM-PGDC was dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere complexation. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 109.76 mg g^?1. Thermodynamic study showed that adsorption of Cr(VI) onto Fe(III)-AM-PGDC is more favored. The complete removal of Cr(VI) from electroplating wastewater was achieved by the adsorbent. The adsorbent did not lose its adsorption capacity even after the fourth regeneration.     

Single step modification of micrometer-sized polystyrene particles by electromagnetic polyaniline and sorption of chromium(VI) metal ions from water

This article describes a single-step reproducible approach for the surface modification of micrometer-sized polystyrene (PS) core particles to prepare electromagnetic PS/polyaniline–Fe₃O₄ (PS/PANi–Fe₃O₄) composite particles. The electromagnetic PANi–Fe₃O₄ shell was formed by simultaneous seeded chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline and precipitation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The weight ratio of PS to aniline was optimized to produce core–shell structure. PS/PANi–Fe₃O₄ composite particles were used as adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) via anion-exchange mechanism. The composite particles possessed enough magnetic property for magnetic separation. The adsorption was highly pH dependent. Adsorption efficiency reached 100% at pH 2 in 120 min when 0.05 g of composite particles was mixed with 30 mL 5 mg L⁻¹ Cr(VI) solution. The adsorption isotherm fitted best with Freundlich model and maximum adsorption capacity approached 20.289 mg g⁻¹ at 323 K. The prepared composite was found to be an useful adsorbent for the removal of soluble Cr(VI) ions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47524.     

BIOSORPTION STUDIES ON NACL-MODIFIED CERATOPHYLLUM DEMERSUM: REMOVAL OF TOXIC CHROMIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

The present research provides information on the Cr(VI) removal potential of NaCl-modified Ceratophyllum demersum, an aquatic plant biomass. The effects of various parameters including pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and initial concentration on Cr(VI) biosorption were investigated. The best conditions for Cr(VI) biosorption in the present study were: pH of 2, biosorbent dose of 8 g/L, and contact time of 60 min. Under these conditions, maximum adsorption capacity of modified C. demersum for Cr(VI) was 10.20 mg/g. The experimental biosorption data were modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. The biosorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model with a high coefficient of determination (R² > 0.99). The biosorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Further, the biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that biosorption of Cr(VI) on NaCl-modified C. demersum occurred through chemical sorption.     

Removal of Lead(II) from Aqueous Solutions using Pre-boiled and Formaldehyde-Treated Onion Skins as a New Adsorbent

The adsorption characteristics of Pb²⁺ on pre-boiled treated onion skins (PTOS) and formaldehyde-treated onion skins (FTOS) were evaluated. The effects of Pb²⁺ initial concentration, agitation rate, solution pH, and temperature on Pb²⁺ adsorption were investigated in batch systems. Pb²⁺ adsorption was found to increase with increase in initial concentration. The point of zero net charge (PZC) was 6.53. The optimum pH for the maximum removal of Pb²⁺ was 6.0. The adsorption equilibrium data was best represented by the Langmuir isotherm model for FTOS and the Freundlich isotherm model for PTOS. The maximum amounts of Pb²⁺ adsorbed (qm), as evaluated by the Langmuir isotherm, was 200 mgg^?1 for FTOS. The efficiencies of PTOS and FTOS for Pb²⁺ removal were 84,8.0% and 93.5% at 0.15 g/200 mL^?1 adsorbent dose, respectively. (C ₀ = 50 mg L^?1). Study concluded that onion skins, a waste material, have good potential as an adsorbent to remove toxic metals like Pb²⁺ from water. Boehm titration analysis was conducted to determine the surface groups. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of Pb²⁺ obeyed pseudo-first-order kinetic model as based on Δq (%) values. FTIR and SEM images before and after adsorption was recorded to explore changes in adsorbent-surface morphology. Activation energy (Ea) was obtained as 25.596 kJ/mol.     

Mussel‐inspired magnetic adsorbent: Adsorption/reduction treatment for the toxic Cr(VI) from simulated wastewater

A novel magnetic adsorbent, poly(catechol‐1,4‐butanediamine)‐coated Fe₃O₄ composite (Fe₃O₄@PCBA), was successfully fabricated via an easy and gentle method according to the mussel‐inspired adhesion property of polydopamine. Effects of many factors on the adsorption performance of Fe₃O₄@PCBA for Cr(VI) were investigated, including temperature, pH value, contacting time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The thermodynamics, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and intraparticle diffusion of adsorption were also studied systematically. Results indicated that the removal rate of Cr(VI) was approximately close to 100% when the initial concentration was less than 120 mg/L, and the maximum uptake capacity of Fe₃O₄@PCBA for Cr(VI) was 280.11 mg/g complied with Langmuir isotherm model. Accordingly, the nocuous Cr(VI) could be partially reduced to Cr(III) during the adsorption period. Hopefully, this strategy could be extended to prepare series of magnetic Fe₃O₄@catechol–amine adsorbents with different amino and phenolic hydroxyl groups for Cr(VI) removal. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46530.     

Preparation and Application of a Novel Functionalized Coconut Coir Pith as a Recyclable Adsorbent for Phosphate Removal

Abstract

This study was to develop a new adsorbent, Iron(III) complex of an amino-functionalized polyacrylamide-grafted coconut coir pith (CP), a lignocellulosic residue, for the removal of phosphate from water and wastewater. The kinetics of adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium sorption capacity of 96.31 mg/g was determined at 30°C from the Langmuir isotherm equation. Complete removal of 16.4 mg/L phosphate in 1 L of fertilizer industry wastewater was achieved by 1.5 g/L AM-Fe-PGCP at pH 6.0. The acid treatment (0.1 M HCl) and re-introduction of Fe³⁺ lead to a reactivation of the spent adsorbent and can be reused through many cycles of water treatment and regeneration without any loss in the adsorption capacity.     

A high Cr (VI) absorption efficiency and easy recovery adsorbent: Electrospun polyethersulfone/polydopamine nanofibers

Cr (VI) is a highly toxic pollutant to humans, to achieve high adsorption capacity, easy recovery, and good reusability, polyethersulfone/polydopamine (PES/PDA) ultrafine fibers were prepared successfully. A series of preparing effect factors were investigated systematically and the optimum one is 8.5 pH value at room temperature and 2 g/L dopamine concentration. And then they were used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) ions from wastewater. The effect factors pH, the adsorbent dosage, and time were discussed on Cr (VI) adsorption process and the Cr (VI) adsorption behavior was investigated. It is found that the maximum Cr (VI) adsorption capacity is 115.2 ± 4.8 mg/g at pH = 3 using 0.06 g PES/PDA with 80 mins. The Cr (VI) adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model (r² ≥ 0.99) and adsorption isotherms were fitted to the Langmuir model (R² ≥ 0.999). Furthermore, the Cr (VI) adsorption mechanism was supposed according to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results. Finally, PES/PDA ultrafine fibers were considered to be a promising adsorbent with good stability (decomposing temperature, 356°C), high adsorption efficiency (112.1 ± 2.5 mg/g), and good reusability (three times) on the coexistence of anions and the actual industry wastewater environment.     

Magnetite/graphene/polyaniline composite for removal of aqueous hexavalent chromium

Here, we report the synthesis of Fe₃O₄/G/PANI composite containing magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄), graphene sheets (G), and polyaniline (PANI) via chemical route for removal of toxic Cr (VI) from water. TEM image shows the formation of uniformly distributed magnetite nanoparticles on graphene/PANI composite. HRTEM images shows the formation of crystalline magnetite nanoparticles showing lattice fringes with inter‐planner distance 0.21 nm. The magnetic measurement shows magnetization 22 emu/g and ferromagnetic property of the adsorbent. The equilibrium adsorptions were well‐described by the Langmuir isotherm model and shows maximum adsorption capacity 153.54 mg/g at pH 6.5 and temperature 30 °C. The kinetics data well fitted by pseudo‐second‐order model and around 86% Cr (VI) removal completed within 20 min. The Cr (VI) removal capacitive decreases with increase in pH and ionic strength. The adsorbent shows leaching of iron nanoparticles at pH 1 whereas stable in solution having pH 2 and more. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44002.     

Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by newspapers

The potential to remove Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solution using newspapers was investigated in the present study. The effects of relevant parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent concentration, and reaction temperature on Cr (VI) adsorption were examined. The adsorption of Cr (VI) ions onto newspapers was found to be highly pH-dependent and the highest uptake occurred at pH 1.0. The sorption equilibrium data were correlated to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. Five different non-linear error functions were examined and the result indicated that the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson equations better fitted the equilibrium data than Langmuir isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 55.06 mg/g at pH 1.0, adsorbent concentration 4 g/L and reaction temperature of 30 °C. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy (ΔG⁰), enthalpy (ΔH⁰) and entropy (ΔS⁰) were also evaluated and the results show that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The kinetic experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-second order, external film diffusion and diffusion models allowing the corresponding parameters to be evaluated. The sorption capacity increased with the decrease of adsorbent concentration.     

EQUILIBRIUM,KINETICS, AND BREAKTHROUGH STUDIES FOR ADSORPTION OF Cr(VI) ON CHITOSAN

Wastewater containing low levels of pollutants can be effectively treated by the adsorption technique. In the present work, an adsorption study was carried out using chitosan as adsorbent in a fixed-bed column for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater solutions. The column performance of Cr(VI) adsorption onto chitosan was studied at different bed heights (3–9 cm), flow rates (50–200 mL/min), initial metal concentrations (2–10 mg/L), pH values (2–7), and temperatures (30°–60°C). The equilibrium data for the batch adsorption of Cr(VI) on chitosan were tested using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and BET isotherm models. The Langmuir model was found to be the most suitable, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 35.7 mg/g and a correlation coefficient (R ²) = 0.952. The experimental data were found to fit well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with R ² = 0.999. The dynamics of the adsorption process was modeled using the Adams-Bohart, Thomas, and mass transfer models. The models were used to predict the breakthrough curves of adsorption systems and to determine the characteristic design parameters of the column. The adsorption data were observed to fit well with all three models. The model parameters were derived using MATLAB software. In order to compare quantitatively the applicability of adsorption dynamic models in fitting to experimental data, the percentage relative deviation (P) was calculated and found to be less than 5, confirming that the fit is good for all three models.     

Ion-crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/polyaniline bio-conducting interpenetrated polymer network: preparation,characterization and application for an efficient removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution

A simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly bio-conducting interpenetrated polymer blend network was prepared and introduced as a highly efficient system with suitable physical and mechanical properties for industrial removal of toxic Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. Carboxymethyl cellulose/polyaniline (CMC/PANI) interpenetrated network (IPN) blend was prepared by simple simultaneous ion-cross-linking of CMC and PANI chains using Al³⁺ cations. The CMC/PANI bio-conducting nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an "energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy" (SEM–EDX) technique. The CMC/PANI blend, ion-cross-linked by Al³⁺ cations, showed good stability and high surface area, proper for the removal of toxic Cr(VI) ions of the aqueous solution. Batch removal experiments were accomplished and the impression of effective variables including solution pH, initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were checked and optimized. The outcome of our findings revealed that the removal of Cr(VI) ions by CMC/PANI nanocomposite IPN strongly depends on solution pH. The removal information was matched with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the utmost monolayer adsorption capacity at pH 2 was 136.98 mg/g at 25 °C. The pseudo-second-order kinetics were operated and the thermodynamic parameters suggested spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. Consequences indicated that CMC/PANI nanocomposite IPN could be an affective eco/environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions.

     

Removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solutions using polypyrrole-based magnetic composites

PPy/Fe₃O₄/AgCl composites were prepared via in situ polymerization for the removal of highly toxic Cr(VI). The structure and morphology of the prepared composites were characterized by the XRD, SEM, TEM, and VSM examinations. Up to 100 % removal was found with 1000 mg/L Cr(VI) aqueous solution at pH 2.0. The process of Cr(VI) ions’ adsorption was easy to reach equilibrium at higher temperatures. Adsorption results showed that Cr(VI) removal efficiency by the composites decreased with an increase in pH. Adsorption kinetics was described by the pseudo-second-order rate model. Isotherm data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model. Desorption experiment showed that the regenerated adsorption of PPy/Fe₃O₄/AgCl can be reused successfully for three times successive adsorption–desorption cycles without appreciable loss of its original capacity.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using amino‐modified Fe3O4–SiO2–chitosan magnetic microspheres with high acid resistance and adsorption capacity

A novel, bioadsorbent material of polyethylenimine‐modified magnetic chitosan microspheres enwrapping magnetic silica nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄–SiO₂–CTS‐PEI) was prepared under relatively mild conditions. The characterization results indicated that the adsorbent exhibited high acid resistance and magnetic responsiveness. The Fe₃O₄ loss of the adsorbent was measured as 0.09% after immersion in pH 2.0 water for 24 h, and the saturated magnetization was 11.7 emu/g. The introduction of PEI obviously improved the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto the adsorbent by approximately 2.5 times. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics preferably fit the Langmuir model and the pseudo‐second‐order model. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 236.4 mg/g at 25°C, which was much improved compared to other magnetic chitosan materials, and the equilibrium was reached within 60 to 120 min. The obtained thermodynamic parameters revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the Cr(VI)‐adsorbed adsorbent could be effectively regenerated using a 0.1 mol/L NaOH solution, and the adsorbent showed a good reusability. Due to the properties of good acid resistance, strong magnetic responsiveness, high adsorption capacity, and relatively rapid adsorption rate, the Fe₃O₄–SiO₂–CTS‐PEI microspheres have a potential use in Cr(VI) removal from acidic wastewater. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43078.     

Sorption equilibrium of Cr(VI) ions on oak wood charcoal (Carbo Ligni) and charcoal ash as low-cost adsorbents

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the potential of oak wood charcoal (WC) and oak wood charcoal ash (WCA) as a low-cost adsorbent for environmental protection applications of Cr(VI) ion. The influence of contact time, solution pH, initial metal concentration, amount of adsorbent and ionic strength on the removal of Cr(VI) ion was studied. The adsorption of Cr(VI) with (WC) and (WCA) was investigated in a batch arrangement. The Cr(VI) ions sorbed onto the adsorbents were determined by a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. The sorption of Cr(VI) on the adsorbent surface depends strongly on the pH and Cr(VI) ion-sorption increased with a decreasing pH until pH 2 and increase in the concentration of this metal in solution phase. The adsorption of Cr(VI) was higher between pH 2.0 and 2.5 for both adsorbents. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm was used to describe observed sorption phenomena. The maximum adsorption capacity of 30.10 mg of Cr(VI)/g for (WC) and 46.17 mg of Cr(VI)/g for (WCA) was obtained at pH of 2 and 2.5 respectively.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution: Electrocoagulation vs Chemical Coagulation

Abstract

Hydrolyzed products of Al(III) have affinity below pH_zpc for oppositely charged mono and bi‐nuclear species of hexavalent chromium. This study investigates the comparative performance of electrocoagulation (EC) and chemical coagulation (CC) for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The highest removal of Cr(VI) achieved with EC was about 42% with 4.36 mA/cm² current density. Cathodic adsorption of chromium boosted up Cr(VI) removal during EC. Simultaneous electro‐ and chemical‐dissolution lead to high current efficiency of about 178%. Both the pH and the coagulant dosage have a significant impact on Cr(VI) removal in the pH ranges from 4.9 to 7.0. CC with alum and aluminum sulfate (AS) removed about 11% and 12% of Cr(VI). Co‐adsorption of divalent SO₄ ^2? ions with Cr(VI) is responsible for the lower removal observed with chemical coagulants. About 0.061 and 0.099 mole of SO₄ ^2? was adsorbed per mole Al in the precipitate in the pH range 4.9 to 7.0 with AS and alum. A higher coagulant dosage increases the removal of Cr(VI) but adversely affects the removal efficiency (Cr(VI) removed per unit of Al dosing). Cell current density (CD) has shown little effect on Cr(VI) removal and the pH elevation at the same charge density. Higher initial Cr(VI) concentration improves the removal efficiency as the species of Cr(VI) is acidic in solution and decreases the pH elevation rate.     

Modification and magnetization of MOF (HKUST-1) for the removal of Sr2+ from aqueous solutions. Equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic modeling studies

In this research, metal-organic framework MOF(HKUST-1) was synthesized, magnetized and modified by hexacyanoferrate in order to prepare an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Sr²⁺ from aqueous solutions. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal methods (TG-DTG[Themogravimetry- Derivative Theromogravimetry]), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The non-magnetized (MOF/KNiFC[potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate]) and magnetized (MOF/Fe₃O₄/KNiFC) adsorbents were then employed for the removal of Sr²⁺ from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of 110 and 90 mg.g^?1 was obtained, respectively, for MOF/KNiFC and MOF/Fe₃O₄/KNiFC. The adsorption process was kinetically fast and the equilibration was established within 45 min. The magnetic capability of the adsorbent examined by the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) technique indicated that the used adsorbent was capable of separating from the solution by applying an external magnetic field. The adsorbent showed good selectivity toward Sr²⁺ in the presence of Cs⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺. The regenerated adsorbent retained more than 90% of its initial capacity. Different isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Sips and Redlich–Peterson were employed to examine the applicability of the isotherms to the experimental data. It was concluded that the data was best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the process was endothermic.     

Hexavalent chromium adsorption on superparamagnetic multi-wall carbon nanotubes and activated carbon composites

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) adsorption from aqueous solutions on magnetically modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (M-MWCNT) and activated carbon (M-AC) was investigated. M-MWCNT and M-AC were prepared by co-precipitation method with Fe²⁺:Fe³⁺ salts as precursors. The magnetic adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of amount of adsorbents, contact time, initial pH, temperature and the initial concentration of Cr(VI) solution were determined. The adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and desorption of Cr(VI) were investigated. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm for both of the adsorbents. The theoretical adsorption capacities are 14.28 mg/g of M-MWCNT and 2.84 mg/g of M-AC. Cr(VI) adsorption kinetics was modeled with pseudo-second order model, intra-particle diffusion model and Bangham model. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated and ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° indicate that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto M-MWCNT and M-AC was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. Results revealed that M-MWCNT is an easily separated effective adsorbent for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution.