Chromium(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution by Hevea Brasilinesis sawdust activated carbon

Adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto Hevea Brasilinesis (Rubber wood) sawdust activated carbon was investigated in a batch system by considering the effects of various parameters like contact time, initial concentration, pH and temperature. Cr(VI) removal is pH dependent and found to be maximum at pH 2.0. Increases in adsorption capacity with increase in temperature indicate that the adsorption reaction is endothermic. Based on this study, the thermodynamic parameters like standard Gibb's free energy (DeltaG degrees ), standard enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ) and standard entropy (DeltaS degrees ) were evaluated. Adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) ions onto rubber wood sawdust activated carbon were analyzed by pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order models. Pseudo second-order model was found to explain the kinetics of Cr(VI) adsorption most effectively. Intraparticle diffusion studies at different temperatures show that the mechanism of adsorption is mainly dependent on diffusion. The rate of intraparticle diffusion, film diffusion coefficient and pore diffusion coefficient at various temperatures were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium studies of rubber wood sawdust activated carbon at different temperatures. Langmuir isotherm shows better fit than Freundlich and Temkin isotherm in the temperature range studied. The result shows that the rubber wood sawdust activated carbon can be efficiently used for the treatment of wastewaters containing chromium as a low cost alternative compared to commercial activated carbon and other adsorbents reported.     

Synthesis of ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon for Cr(VI) adsorption

Highly ordered mesoporous carbon with large accessible pores (OMC-P) was prepared by using laboratory-made poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene diblock copolymer as template via the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The OMC-P was first used as adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution. Adsorption behavior was studied as a function of time, concentration of adsorbate, temperature, and pH. The kinetics of adsorption of Cr(VI) ion onto OMC-P is well fit to the pseudo-second order model. The Cr(VI) ion adsorption is favored at lower temperatures and at initial acid pH values in the equilibrium. The Freundlich and the Langmuir isotherm fit the equilibrium data satisfactorily. The influence of porosity on equilibrium adsorption capacity was investigated on three types of carbon materials, namely, OMC-P, ordered mesoporous carbon templated from amphiphilic triblock copolymer F127 (OMC-F) and commercial activated carbon (AC). The prepared OMC-P exhibits much higher adsorption performance than the other two carbons.     

The use of sulphuric acid-carbonization products of sugar beet pulp in Cr(VI) removal

A carbon rich adsorbent prepared from the reaction of sugar beet pulp with sulphuric acid and gas formed during carbonization process have been studied for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. The SO(2) rich gas was shown to be an excellent Cr(VI) reductant. The equilibrium and kinetic studies were conducted by using the carbonaceous adsorbent derived from sugar beet pulp. The lower pH favoured Cr(VI) adsorption but substantial Cr(VI) reduction was observed. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied and the Langmuir model best fit the equilibrium isotherm data. The maximum adsorption capacity of chromium calculated from Langmuir isotherm is about 24 mgg(-1) for 25 degrees C. The adsorption of Cr(VI) is an endothermic process and follows the pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. The sulphuric acid-carbonization is an economical method for particularly chromium removal because the gas generated during carbonization exhibits good Cr(VI) reduction properties and carbonaceous material obtained is an efficient Cr(VI) adsorbent.     

Application of dolochar in the removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions

Dolochar, a waste material generated in sponge iron industry, is processed and put to test as an adsorbent for removal of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The dolochar samples were characterised to determine the different phases and their distribution by reflection microscopy. The analysis indicated that the sample consists of metallic iron, fused carbon, and Ca-Mg bearing phases (Ca-Mg-silicate-oxide) along with lots of voids and pores. The fixed carbon (FC) content of the material is 13.8% with a Langmuir surface area of 81.6 m²/g and micropore area of 34.1 m²/g. Batch adsorption experiments have been conducted to study the sorption behaviour of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions on dolochar as a function of particle size, contact time, adsorbent dosages, pH and temperature. It is observed that higher pH and temperature enhances sorption of Cd(II) ions. In contrast, the adsorption for Cr(VI) is found to be better in acidic pH in comparison to alkaline media. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm data are tested by applying both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. It is observed that Langmuir isotherm model fitted better compared to the Freundlich model indicating monolayer adsorption. The thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° indicate the effectiveness of dolochar to remove Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The kinetics of adsorption is found to better fit to pseudo second order reaction.     

Comparative study of adsorption properties of Turkish fly ashes. II. The case of chromium (VI) and cadmium (II)

The purpose of the study described in this paper was to compare the removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) from an aqueous solution using two different Turkish fly ashes; Afsin-Elbistan and Seyitomer as adsorbents. The influence of four parameters (contact time, solution pH, initial metal concentration in solution and ash quality) on the removal at 20+/-2 degrees C was studied. Fly ashes were found to have a higher adsorption capacity for the adsorption of Cd(II) as compared to Cr(VI) and both Cr(VI) and Cd(II) required an equilibrium time of 2h. The adsorption of Cr(VI) was higher at pH 4.0 for Afsin-Elbistan fly ash (25.46%) and pH 3.0 for Seyitomer fly ash (30.91%) while Cd(II) was adsorbed to a greater extent (98.43% for Afsin-Elbistan fly ash and 65.24% for Seyitomer fly ash) at pH 7.0. The adsorption of Cd(II) increased with an increase in the concentrations of these metals in solution while Cr(VI) adsorption decreased by both fly ashes. The lime (crystalline CaO) content in fly ash seemed to be a significant factor in influencing Cr(VI) and Cd(II) ions removal. The linear forms of the Langmuir and Freundlich equations were utilised for experiments with metal concentrations of 55+/-2mg/l for Cr(VI) and 6+/-0.2mg/l for Cd(II) as functions of solution pH (3.0-8.0). The adsorption of Cr(VI) on both fly ashes was not described by both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms while Cd(II) adsorption on both fly ashes satisfied only the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption capacities of both fly ashes were nearly three times less than that of activated carbon for the removal of Cr(VI) while Afsin-Elbistan fly ash with high-calcium content was as effective as activated carbon for the removal of Cd(II). Therefore, there are possibilities for use the adsorption of Cd(II) ions onto fly ash with high-calcium content in practical applications in Turkey.     

Adsorption behaviors of some phenolic compounds onto high specific area activated carbon cloth

Adsorption of phenol, hydroquinone, m-cresol, p-cresol and p-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions onto high specific area activated carbon cloth has been studied. The effect of ionization on adsorption of these ionizable phenolic compounds was examined by studying the adsorption from acidic, basic and natural pH solutions. Kinetics of adsorption was followed by in situ UV spectroscopy over a period of 90 min. First-order rate law was found to be valid for the kinetics of adsorption processes and the rate constants were determined. The highest rate constants were obtained for the adsorption from solutions at the natural pH. The lowest rate constants were observed in basic solutions. The rate constants decreased in the order p-nitrophenol approximately m-cresol>p-cresol>hydroquinone approximately phenol. Adsorption isotherms were derived at 30 degrees C and the isotherm data were treated according to Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm equations. The goodness of fit of experimental data to these isotherm equations was tested and the parameters of equations were determined. The possible interactions of compounds with the carbon surface were discussed considering the charge of the surface and the possible ionization of compounds at acidic, basic and natural pH conditions.     

Biosorption of chromium(VI) ion from aqueous solutions using walnut, hazelnut and almond shell

The potential to remove Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solutions through biosorption using, the shells of Walnut (WNS) (Juglans regia), Hazelnut (HNS) (Corylus avellana) and Almond (AS) (Prunus dulcis) was investigated in batch experiments. The equilibrium adsorption level was determined to be a function of the solution contact time and concentration. Kinetic experiments revealed that the dilute chromium solutions reached equilibrium within 100 min. The biosorptive capacity of the shells was dependent on the pH of the chromium solution, with pH 3.5 being optimal. Adsorption of Cr(VI) ion uptake is in all cases pH-dependent showing a maximum at equilibrium pH values between 2.0 and 3.5, depending on the biomaterial, that correspond to equilibrium pH values of 3.5 for (WNS), 3.5 for (HNS) and 3.2 for (AS). The adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model. The sorption process conformed to the Langmuir isotherm with maximum Cr(VI) ion sorption capacities of 8.01, 8.28, and 3.40 mg/g for WNS, HNS and AS, respectively. Percentage removal by WNS, HNS and AS was 85.32, 88.46 and 55.00%, respectively at a concentration of 0.5 mM. HNS presented the highest adsorption capacities for the Cr(VI) ion.     

Adsorption of Direct Red 80 dye from aqueous solution onto almond shells: effect of pH, initial concentration and shell type

The adsorption of Direct Red 80 (DR 80) dye from aqueous solution on almond shells as an eco-friendly and low-cost adsorbent was studied. The effect of shell type (internal, external and mixture shells), pH and initial dye concentration were considered to evaluate the sorption capacity of almond shell adsorbent. The mixture type of almond shell showed to be more effective. The adsorption studies revealed that the mixture type of almond shells remove about 97% of the DR 80 dye from aqueous phase after 1h of the adsorption process in a batch system. Although, pH changes did not appreciably affect the adsorption process but the maximum adsorption capacity of different types of almond shells (20.5, 16.96 and 16.4 mg/g for mixture, external and internal shells) were obtained at pH 2. However, in order to have a better control on the experimental conditions, pH 6 was selected for conducting all adsorption experiments. Initial dye concentration was varied from 50 to 150 mg/L. Higher concentrations of dye in aqueous solution reduced DR 80 dye adsorption efficiency of almond shells. Equilibrium data were attempted by various adsorption isotherms including Langmuir, Freundlich and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) models. It was found that the adsorption process by mixture type of almond shells follows the Langmuir non-linear isotherm. Furthermore, the experimental data by internal and external almond shells could be well described by the BET and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetics provides the best correlation of the experimental data.     

Adsorptive removal of chlorophenols from aqueous solution by low cost adsorbent--Kinetics and isotherm analysis

Adsorptive removal of parachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) from aqueous solutions by activated carbon prepared from coconut shell was studied and compared with activated carbon of commercial grade (CAC). Various chemical agents in different concentrations were used (KOH, NaOH, CaCO(3), H(3)PO(4) and ZnCl(2)) for the preparation of coconut shell activated carbon. The coconut shell activated carbon (CSAC) prepared using KOH as chemical agent showed high surface area and best adsorption capacity and was chosen for further studies. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of various parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial PCP and TCP concentration. Adsorption equilibrium reached earlier for CSAC than CAC for both PCP and TCP concentrations. Under optimized conditions the prepared activated carbon showed 99.9% and 99.8% removal efficiency for PCP and TCP, respectively, where as the commercially activated carbon had 97.7% and 95.5% removal for PCP and TCP, respectively, for a solution concentration of 50mg/L. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The equilibrium adsorption data were analysed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Sips model using non-linear regression technique. Freundlich isotherms best fitted the data for adsorption equilibrium for both the compounds (PCP and TCP). Similarly, acidic pH was favorable for the adsorption of both PCP and TCP. Studies on pH effect and desorption revealed that chemisorption was involved in the adsorption process. The efficiency of the activated carbon prepared was also tested with real pulp and paper mill effluent. The removal efficiency using both the carbons were found highly satisfactory and was about 98.7% and 96.9% as phenol removal and 97.9% and 93.5% as AOX using CSAC and CAC, respectively.     

Removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution using treated oil palm fibre

This study proposed an oil palm by-product as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from aqueous solution. Adsorption of Cr (VI) by sulphuric acid and heat-treated oil palm fibre was conducted using batch tests. The influence of pH, contact time, initial chromium concentration and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cr (VI) from the solutions was investigated. The optimum initial pH for maximum uptake of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution was found to be 1.5. The removal efficiency was found to correlate with the initial Cr (VI) concentration, adsorbent dosage as well as the contact time between Cr (VI) and the adsorbent. The adsorption kinetics tested with pseudo first order and pseudo second order models yielded high R(2) values from 0.9254 to 0.9870 and from 0.9936 to 0.9998, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference between the R(2) values of the two models at 99% confidence level. The Freundlich isotherm (R(2)=0.8778) described Cr (VI) adsorption slightly better than the Langmuir isotherm (R(2)=0.8715). Difficulty in desorption of Cr (VI) suggests the suitability of treated oil palm fibre as a single-use adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution.     

Kinetics and thermodynamic of adsorption of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution using puresorbe

This paper deals with an investigation on coir-based adsorbent, puresorbe, in the removal of chromium(VI) from the aqueous solutions. The adsorption of chromium(VI) was carried out by varying the parameters such as agitation time, metal concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature and pH. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich and Peterson isotherms. Adsorption followed second order rate expression for the particle size 250–500 μm at pH 2. The monolayer adsorption capacity is 76.92 mg chromium(VI) per gram of puresorbe. Thermodynamic parameters show the endothermic nature of chromium(VI) adsorption. Desorption study carried out using distilled water adjusted to pH of 2–10, suggests that chemisorption might be the mode of adsorption.     

Adsorption of EDTA on activated carbon from aqueous solutions

In this study, the adsorption of EDTA on activated carbon from aqueous solutions has been investigated in a batch stirred cell. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of temperature, EDTA concentration, pH, activated carbon mass and particle size on EDTA adsorption. The experimental results manifest that the EDTA adsorption rate increases with its concentration in the aqueous solutions. EDTA adsorption also increases with temperature. The EDTA removal from the solution increases as activated carbon mass increases. The Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm models are found to provide a good fitting of the adsorption data, with R(2) = 0.9920 and 0.9982, respectively. The kinetic study shows that EDTA adsorption on the activated carbon is in good compliance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters (E(a), ΔG(0), ΔH(0), ΔS(0)) obtained indicate the endothermic nature of EDTA adsorption on activated carbon.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by low-cost biosorbents: marine macroalgae and agricultural by-products

In this study, adsorption of Cr(VI) onto the four low-cost biosorbents (Laminaria japonica, P. yezoensis Ueda, rice bran and wheat bran) was investigated depending on solution pH, contact time, adsorbent concentration and adsorption isotherms by employing batch adsorption technique. The adsorption capacities were significantly influenced by solution pH, with lower pH favoring higher Cr(VI) removal for various biosorbents. The ionic strength of NaCl was also observed to have a significant impact on the Cr(VI) adsorption due to the competition of Cl(-) in the aqueous solutions. The batch equilibrium data were correlated to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the data fitted better to the Freundlich isotherm equation. The apparent thermodynamic parameters were calculated for each of the four biosorbents and the obtained numerical values showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption onto the various low-cost biosorbents is spontaneous, entropy-driven and endothermic processes. The batch kinetic data were correlated to the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models and the data fitted better to the pseudo-second order equation. An intraparticle diffusion model was applied to investigate the adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption capacities for various biosorbents studied in this work were inversely proportional to the adsorbent concentrations.     

Chromium (VI) adsorption on boehmite

Boehmite was synthesized and characterized in order to study the adsorption behavior and the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions as a function of contact time, initial pH solution, amount of adsorbent and initial metal ion concentration, using batch technique. Adsorption data of Cr(VI) on the boehmite were analyzed according to Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) adsorption models. Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption system were determinated at 293, 303, 313 and 323K temperatures. The kinetic values and thermodynamic parameters from the adsorption process show that the Cr(VI) ions adsorption on boehmite is an endothermic and spontaneous process. These results show that the boehmite could be considered as a potential adsorbent for chromium ions in aqueous solutions.     

Adsorption of cationic polyacrylamide onto sepiolite

The adsorption of PAM onto sepiolite from aqueous solutions has been investigated systematically as a function of some parameters such as calcination temperature of sepiolite, pH, ionic strength and temperature. The adsorption of cationic polyacrylamide (PAM) increases with pH from 5.50 to 11.00, temperature from 25 to 55 degrees C and ionic strength from 0 to 0.1molL(-1). The sepiolite sample calcined at 200 degrees C has a higher adsorption capacity than the other calcined samples. Adsorption isotherms of PAM onto sepiolite have been determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model appeared to fit the isotherm data better than the Freundlich isotherm model. The physical properties of this adsorbent are consistent with the parameters obtained from the isotherm equations. The zeta potentials of sepiolite suspensions have been measured in aqueous solutions of NaCl and different PAM concentrations and pH. From the experimental results: (i) pH strongly alters the zeta potential of sepiolite, (ii) sepiolite has an isoelectric point at about pH 6.6 in water and about pH 8 in 250mgL(-1) PAM concentration, (iii) PAM changes the interface charge from negative to positive for sepiolite. Effect of temperature on adsorption has been quantified by calculating various thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy. The dimensionless separation factor (R(L)) has shown that sepiolite can be used for adsorption of PAM from aqueous solutions.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewaters by adsorption Part I: determination of optimum conditions

Aim of this study is the determination of the Cr(VI) removal efficiency of treated pine sawdust and also to find out the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of Cr(VI) removal process in batch systems. Sawdust has been treated with 1,5-disodium hydrogen phosphate before the adsorption experiments. The effects of initial concentration of Cr(VI) ion, temperature, amount of adsorbent and pH of the solution on adsorption have been investigated. Optimum conditions for adsorption were determined as T=40 degrees C, sawdust dose=4 g, pH 2, by using the results of these experiments and an additional set of experiments was performed under these optimum conditions in order to see the change in the adsorption efficiency. Removal of chromium ion was found as highly dependent on pH and initial Cr(VI) concentration of the solution. In order to find out thermodynamic and kinetic parameters equilibrium adsorption models were applied. Although experimental data confirm with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, they suit most on Langmuir isotherms. Adsorption rate constant was determined from Lagergren equation. Equilibrium constants, adsorption free energy, enthalpy and entropy change values were also determined. It was found that adsorption process follows first order kinetic and adsorption of Cr(VI) on sawdust has the spontaneous nature.     

Treatment of wastewater containing toxic chromium using new activated carbon developed from date palm seed

The use of a new activated carbon developed from date palm seed wastes, generated in the jam industry, for removing toxic chromium from aqueous solution has been investigated. The activated carbon has been achieved from date palm seed by dehydrating methods using concentrated sulfuric acid. The batch experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption capacity of the biomass. The effect of initial metal concentration (25-125mgl(-1)), pH, contact time, and concentration of date palm seed carbon have been studied at room temperature. A strong dependence of the adsorption capacity on pH was observed, the capacity increase as pH value decrease and the optimum pH value is pH 1.0. Kinetics and adsorption equilibrium were studied at different sorbent doses. The adsorption process was fast and the equilibrium was reached within 180min. The maximum removal was 100% for 75mgl(-1) of Cr(+ concentration on 4gl(-1) carbon concentration and the maximum adsorption capacity was 120.48mgg(-1). The kinetic data were analyzed using various kinetic models - pseudo-first order equation, pseudo-second order equation, Elovich equation and intraparticle diffusion equation - and the equilibrium data were tested using several isotherm models, Langmuir, Freundlich, Koble-Corrigan, Redlich-Peterson, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Generalized isotherm equations. The Elovich equation and pseudo-second order equation provide the greatest accuracy for the kinetic data and Koble-Corrigan and Langmuir models the closest fit for the equilibrium data. Activation energy of sorption has also been evaluated as 0.115 and 0.229kJmol(-1).     

Trivalent chromium removal from wastewater using low cost activated carbon derived from agricultural waste material and activated carbon fabric cloth

An efficient adsorption process is developed for the decontamination of trivalent chromium from tannery effluents. A low cost activated carbon (ATFAC) was prepared from coconut shell fibers (an agricultural waste), characterized and utilized for Cr(III) removal from water/wastewater. A commercially available activated carbon fabric cloth (ACF) was also studied for comparative evaluation. All the equilibrium and kinetic studies were conducted at different temperatures, particle size, pHs, and adsorbent doses in batch mode. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied. The Langmuir model best fit the equilibrium isotherm data. The maximum adsorption capacities of ATFAC and ACF at 25 degrees C are 12.2 and 39.56 mg/g, respectively. Cr(III) adsorption increased with an increase in temperature (10 degrees C: ATFAC--10.97 mg/g, ACF--36.05 mg/g; 40 degrees C: ATFAC--16.10 mg/g, ACF--40.29 mg/g). The kinetic studies were conducted to delineate the effect of temperature, initial adsorbate concentration, particle size of the adsorbent, and solid to liquid ratio. The adsorption of Cr(III) follows the pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. From kinetic studies various rate and thermodynamic parameters such as effective diffusion coefficient, activation energy and entropy of activation were evaluated. The sorption capacity of activated carbon (ATFAC) and activated carbon fabric cloth is comparable to many other adsorbents/carbons/biosorbents utilized for the removal of trivalent chromium from water/wastewater.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using activated carbon prepared from walnut shell biomass through alkali impregnation processes

Walnut (Juglans regia) is a commonly used nutrient industrial crop but the shell of the walnut has no economic value. Hence to revamp the waste walnut shell biomass to useful product, activated carbon (AC) was prepared from J. regia shells by impregnating with NaOH. Different ACs were prepared by varying the impregnation ratio of char:NaOH as 1:1 (AC1), 1:3 (AC2), and 1:5 (AC3). The effect of impregnation ratios on the adsorptive properties of ACs for the adsorption of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] was studied. The ACs were characterized by SEM, surface functionality, and zero point charge. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevitch isotherm were used to interpret the batch equilibrium data. The adsorption of Cr(VI) onto ACs followed Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic data followed pseudo second-order rate equation. Intraparticle diffusion model and Boyd plot were used to study the mechanism of the adsorption reaction. The adsorption was both by film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. The rate-controlling step was predicted as external mass transfer. Thermodynamic parameters were also estimated. Overall, AC with higher impregnation ratio (AC3) possessed better adsorption properties compared to AC2 and AC1.     

Investigation of the potential mobility of Pb, Cd and Cr(VI) from moderately contaminated farmland soil to groundwater in Northeast, China

The adsorption/desorption of Pb, Cd and Cr(VI) on moderately contaminated farmland soils in Northeast China and the effect of pH value on adsorption/desorption were investigated. Soil column leaching experiment was also carried out to further understand the mobility of the three metals in aeration zone of soil. Both Langmuir and Freundlich model gave good fits to the adsorption data of Pb and Cd, while the adsorption data of Cr(VI) followed linear adsorption isotherm. The adsorption/desorption of Pb, Cd and Cr(VI) obtained equilibrium in a few hours. Adsorption amounts of the three metals decreased in the order: Pb>Cd>Cr(VI). Desorption of the metals was insignificant at pH 5.0. Pb and Cd adsorption increased with pH, while Cr(VI) decreased. The effect of pH on desorption was contrary to that of adsorption. Leaching experiment showed that the mobility of these metals followed the order of Cr(VI)>Cd>Pb, which was consistent with the adsorption/desorption study. The results suggest that once soil is polluted by wastewater containing Pb and Cd, Pb and Cd tend to accumulating in topsoil and move downward very slowly, while the mobility of Cr(VI) in soil/groundwater system is much high because only limited amount of Cr(VI) were adsorbed by soil.