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.     

Utilisation of immobilised activated sludge for the biosorption of chromium (VI)

The objective of this investigation was to study the biosorption of Cr (VI) on immobilised activated sludge (IAS) and calcium alginate (CA) using batch system. The optimal pH for Cr (VI) biosorption by IAS and CA was 2.0 and 4.0, respectively. Equilibrium was attained at approximately 120 min for both biosorbents. For both biosorbents, the equilibrium biosorption capacity (mg/g) increased as the initial metal ion concentration increased and the concentration of biosorbent decreased. The rate of biosorption onto IAS and pure CA (as mg/g) increased from 5.02 to 87.66 and 4.97 to 79.09 as the concentration of Cr (VI) ions increased from 10 to 1000 mg/L, respectively. In the case of biosorbent concentration, as the concentration of IAS and pure CA increased from 1 to 20 g/L, the equilibrium uptake (q_e) decreased from 21.33 to 1.57 and 19.41 to 1.38 mg/g, respectively. The biosorption data showed that the Langmuir model was more suitable than the Freundlich model. Also, the results indicated that the pseudo‐second order model was the most suitable for Cr (VI) biosorption onto IAS and CA. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Adsorption of Cr(VI) on Stipa tenacissima L (Alfa): Characteristics,kinetics and thermodynamic studies

This study aims to remove ionic Cr(IV) from aqueous solution using Stipa tenacissima L as a biomass source. The Arabic name for the plant Stipa tenacissima L is HALFA (ALFA) ; it belongs to the category of biosorbents agro-industrial origin. Stipa tenacissima L is from the center of the province of Djelfa Algeria. This biomass was characterized by various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to optimize the operating conditions for the determination of ions of Cr(VI), the initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions, temperature, pH of the solution and the solid/liquid ratio were individually studied. According to the results, a fix rate of about 90% was recorded. Optimum biosorption conditions were found to be pH ~1, C_o = 50 mg/L, R = 5 g/L and T = 296 K. It was found that biosorption of Cr(VI) ions onto biomass of Stipa tenacissima L was better suitable to Langmuir model. The correlation coefficients for the second-order kinetic model obtained were found to be 0.996 for all concentrations. These indicate that the biosorption system studied belongs to the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamics parameters as enthalpy, entropy of system and free energy were evaluated, which confirms the feasibility of the process. An empirical modeling was performed by using a 2⁴ full factorial design, and the regression equation for adsorption chromium (VI) was determined from the data. The initial metal ion concentration has the most positive pronounced effect in increasing the chromium (VI) adsorption, whereas the pH and adsorbent dosage have the most negative effect on the process.     

Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by seed powder of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruits

ABSTRACT

The solid residue of the cold press oil extraction from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruit seeds was evaluated as a low-cost biosorbent for biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted as a function of initial pH, contact time, biosorbent dose, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature. Biosorption was highly pH-dependent and found to be maximum at pH 1.0. Langmuir and Freundlich equations fitted very well with experimental data. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 19.61 mg/g at 298 K and pH 1.0. Biosorption kinetics was controlled by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that biosorption of Cr(VI) was a spontaneous, favorable and endothermic process. The activation energy was found to be 40.68 kJ.mol^?1.     

Equilibrium,kinetics and thermodynamics study on biosorption of Cr(VI) by fresh biomass of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis>

The low cost fresh biomass of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) was utilized for removal of Chromium ion from aqueous solution. The maximum biosorption was found to occur at pH 1.0. The biosorption capacity of S. cerevisiae was found to be 3.89 mg/g for a solution with initial Cr(VI) concentration of 50 mg/L at 35 °C. Several biosorption isotherms were used to fit the equilibrium data, indicating biosorption relied mainly on physical adsorption onto heterogeneous surface. Kinetic models were evaluated and we found that pseudo-second-order rate kinetic model showed better correlation, and the biosorption of Cr(VI) was governed by film diffusion as well as intraparticle diffusion. Thermodynamic constants indicated that the biosorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to reveal the main function groups of biosorption, which were hydroxyl, amine groups, C-H of the alkanes, C=O and S=O.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions by a Bacterial Biofilm Supported on Zeolite: Optimisation of the Operational Conditions and Scale‐Up of the Bioreactor

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a bioreactor system and its scale‐up to remove Cr(VI) from solution. The bioreactor is based on an innovative process that combines bioreduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by the bacterium Arthrobacter viscosus and Cr(III) sorption by a specific zeolite. Batch studies were conducted in a laboratory‐scale bioreactor, taking into account different operating conditions. Several variables, such as biomass concentration, pH and zeolite pre‐treatment, were evaluated to increase removal efficiency. The obtained results suggest that the Cr removal efficiency is improved when the initial biomass concentration is approximately 5 g L^–1 and the pH in the system is maintained at an acidic level. Under the optimised conditions, approximately 100 % of the Cr(VI) was removed. The scale‐up of the developed biofilm process operating under the optimised conditions was satisfactorily tested in a 150‐L bioreactor.     

Removal of toxic metal Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions using sawdust as adsorbent: Equilibrium, kinetics and regeneration studies

In the present study, a low-cost adsorbent is developed from the naturally and abundantly available sawdust which is biodegradable. The removal capacity of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions and from the synthetically prepared industrial effluent of electroplating and tannery industries is obtained. The batch experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of the significant process parameters such as initial pH, change in pH during adsorption, contact time, adsorbent amount, and the initial Cr(VI) concentration. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) on sawdust is obtained at an initial pH value of 1. The value of pH increases with increase in contact time and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The equilibrium data for the adsorption of Cr(VI) on sawdust is tested with various adsorption isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, Koble–Corrigan, Tempkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Generalized equation. The Langmuir isotherm model is found to be the most suitable one for the Cr(VI) adsorption using sawdust and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained is 41.5 mg g⁻¹ at a pH value of 1. The adsorption process follows the second-order kinetics and the corresponding rate constants are obtained. Desorption of Cr(VI) from sawdust using acid and base treatment exhibited a higher desorption efficiency by more than 95%. A feasible solution is proposed, for the disposal of the contaminant (acid and base solutions) containing high concentration of Cr(VI) obtained during the desorption process. The interference of other ions which are generally present in the electroplating and tannery industrial effluent streams on the Cr(VI) removal is investigated.     

Influence of an aerobic selector on copper and hexavalent chromium biosorption by activated sludge

The influence of an aerobic selector on biosorption of Cu and Cr(VI) by activated sludge was studied. In‐vitro batch adsorption tests were performed using sludge harvested from bench‐scale activated sludge systems. Metal biosorption by activated sludge was rapid with equilibrium usually reached within an hour. Adsorption behaviour closely followed a Freundlich isotherm model. Experimental data suggested that an aerobic selector increased the biosorption of the metal ions by activated sludge, confirming observations by others in a similar study but with different heavy metals. Freundlich isotherms indicated that the biosorption capacity of activated sludge was increased by 15% for Cu and 30% for Cr(VI). Activated sludge from both systems had a greater biosorption capacity for Cu than for Cr(VI). The effects of pH and sludge concentration were also investigated. The results indicate that these parameters may influence the biosorption characteristics of activated sludge. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of pre‐treatments on the biosorption of Chromium (VI) ions by the dead biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus

BACKGROUND: This work fulfils the need to develop an eco‐friendly biosorbent, elucidating the mechanism of biosorption. Removal of Cr(VI) by Rhizopus arrhizus was investigated in batch mode. Enhancement in the performance of the biosorbent was attempted by pre‐treating the biomass with inorganic and organic acids, chelating agent, cross‐linker and an organic solvent followed by autoclaving. The surface characterization of the biomass was carried out by potentiometric titration, surface area analysis, infrared spectroscopy, chemical modification of the biomass and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: All the physico‐chemical treatments of the biosorbent improved Cr(VI) uptake compared with the native biomass (21.72 mg g^?1). The highest biosorption capacity (31.52 mg g^?1) was achieved after pre‐treating the biomass with 0.5 mol L^?1 HNO₃ followed by autoclaving. Surface characterization of the biomass using pH_zpc, potentiometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the role of amino and carboxyl groups in Cr(VI) removal by electrostatic attraction. Chemical modification of amino and carboxyl groups significantly decreased Cr(VI) uptake capacity confirming their role in biosorption. SEM analysis showed adsorption of Cr(VI) on the biosorbent surface. CONCLUSION: Rhizopus arrhizus biomass proved to be an effective and low cost alternative biosorbent for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Kinetics,equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of hexavalent chromium by dead fungal biomass of marine Aspergillus niger

Quite a number of reports are available on metal binding capacity of different groups of microorganisms. However, reports on the equilibrium studies on biosorption by marine fungi are quite inadequate. The present study was carried out in a batch system using dead biomass of marine Aspergillus niger for the sorption of Cr(VI). The removal rate of Cr(VI) was increased with a decrease in pH and an increase in Cr(VI) and biomass concentration. A. niger exhibited the highest Cr(VI) uptake of 117.33 mg g^?1 of biomass at pH 1.0 in the presence of 400 mg l^?1 Cr at 50 °C. Kinetics studies based on fractional power, zero order, first order, pseudo-first order, Elovich, second order and pseudo-second order rate expressions have also been carried out. The experimental data were analyzed using five, two-parameter isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Temkin and Halsey). It was observed that Langmuir model exhibited the best fit to experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters of the biosorption (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) were also determined.     

Reduction of Cr(VI) by palladized biomass of Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303

Palladized biomass of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Bio‐Pd(0)) reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) at an initial rate four‐fold higher than chemically‐prepared Pd(0) metal. Optimal Cr(VI) reduction by suspended Bio‐Pd(0) occurred at pH 3, whereas pH did not affect the rate of Cr(VI) reduction by Bio‐Pd(0) immobilized in agar beads. The rate of Cr(VI) reduction was concentration‐dependent below 300 µmol dm^?3, and application of enzyme kinetics, considering Bio‐Pd(0) as an ‘artificial enzyme’, gave an apparent K_m (K_mapp) of approx. 650 µmol dm^?3 and V_max of 1667 nmol h^?1 mg Pd(0) for suspended Bio‐Pd(0). The potential of Bio‐Pd(0) as a method for the treatment of Cr(VI)‐wastes is discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

A new bioinorganic process for the remediation of Cr(VI)

Palladised biomass of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 29577 (bio‐Pd(0)) effected reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under conditions where biomass alone or chemically‐prepared Pd(0) were ineffective. Reduction of 500 µmol dm^?3 Cr(VI) by 0.4 mg cm^?3 bio‐Pd(0) (Pd : biomass ratio of 1:1) was achieved from 1 mol dm^?3 formate/acetate buffer at pH 1–7 at room temperature; the optimum pH was 3.0. The ratio of mass of Pd : dry mass of biomass, and the need for finely ground bio‐Pd(0) were important parameters for optimal Cr(VI) reduction, with a ratio of 1:1 giving 100% reduction of 500 µmol dm^?3 Cr(VI) within 6 h at room temperature, decreasing to 30 min following heat treatment of the Pd(0)‐loaded biomass. The reduced Cr was recovered quantitatively as soluble Cr(III) at pH 3.0 with no poisoning of the bioinorganic catalyst with respect to continued reduction of Cr(VI). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption and bioreduction of diamine silver complex by Corynebacterium

Corynebacterium strain SH09 separated from a silver mine was used for biosorption and bioreduction of diamine silver complex. The biosorption of the diamine silver complex was better than that of silver ions and the maximum of the former was about 350 (mg Ag) (g dried biomass)^?1. After dried cells of SH09 were resuspended in the aqueous solution of diamine silver complex in the dark at 60 °C for more than 72 h, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that a large quantity of black particles whose diameter ranged from 10 to 15 nm were formed on the cell wall. The particles were identified as being silver nanoparticles by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. Under the same conditions, no bioreduction of silver nitrate was found. According to IR spectra, some functional groups, such as the amide of the proteins, were involved in the processes of biosorption and bioreduction. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Electrochemical sensor-based gold nanoparticle/poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine)/graphene oxide nanocomposite modified electrode for hexavalent chromium detection: a real test sample

This paper presents the fabrication of poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine)/graphene oxide nanocomposite with a general abbreviation [PANI-co-PoT/GO_a–e] by well-known in-situ oxidative polymerization method with ultrasonic assistance. These materials were based on variable loading of GO when prepared. The chemical structures of the composite materials were confirmed by characterization technique. The FE-SEM and TEM micrographs were used to investigate the morphological features. Furthermore, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and electrical conductivity measurements were utilized to estimate its complete performance. All nanocomposites showed CDT_max values in the range of 287.25–463.51 ºC which is significantly higher than that observed for pure copolymer (204.79 ºC). The main focus of this paper is to study the electroselective application using gold nanoparticle as a coating. A steady electroactive modified electrode [AuNPs/PANI-co-PoT/GO] was effectively prepared on a gold electrode (Au) surface using an electroadsorption process for the determination of Cr(VI). The electrochemical attitude of the modified sensor toward the reduction of Cr(VI) was studied by a square wave voltammetry (SWV) and a cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The AuNPs/PANI-co-PoT/GO modified electrode displayed a perfect electrochemical activity toward the reduction of Cr(VI). Using an SWV method, the modified electrode gave a linear response to Cr(VI) through the concentration range 5–500 µM with a limit of detection 0.0215 µM. The suggested sensor displayed good stability, sensitivity and selectivity and has exhibited potential for the detection of Cr(VI) in real samples.     

Simultaneous phenol removal and biological reduction of hexavalent chromium in a packed‐bed reactor

BACKGROUND: Phenol and hexavalent chromium are considered industrial pollutants that pose severe threats to human health and the environment. The two pollutants can be found together in aquatic environments originating from mixed discharges of many industrial processes, or from a single industry discharge. The main objective of this work was to study the feasibility of using phenol as an electron donor for Cr(VI) reduction, thus achieving the simultaneous biological removal/reduction of the two pollutants in a packed‐bed reactor. RESULTS: A pilot‐scale packed‐bed reactor was used to estimate phenol removal with simultaneous Cr(VI) reduction through biological mechanisms, using a new mixed bacterial culture originated from Cr(VI)‐reducing and phenol‐degrading bacteria, operated in draw–fill mode with recirculation. Experiments were performed for feed Cr(VI) concentration of about 5.5 mg L^?1, while phenol concentration ranged from 350 to 1500 mg L^?1. The maximum reduction/removal rates achieved were 0.062 g Cr(VI) L^?1 d^?1 and 3.574 g phenol L^?1 d^?1, for a phenol concentration of 500 mg L^?1. CONCLUSION: Phenol removal with simultaneous biological Cr(VI) reduction is feasible in a packed‐bed attached growth bioreactor. Phenol was found to inhibit Cr(VI) reduction, while phenol removal was rather unaffected by Cr(VI) concentration increase. However, the recorded removal rates of phenol and Cr(VI) were found to be much lower than those obtained from previous research, where the two pollutants were examined separately. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

Biological Removal of Aqueous Hexavalent Chromium

The conventional chemical reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and subsequent Cr(OH)₃ precipitation are expensive due to the use of large amounts of chemicals and the generation of chemical sludges. An attempt was carried out for microbial Cr(VI) removal in an anaerobic chemostat fed with an acetate-containing synthetic medium. With 26 mg Cr(VI) dm⁻³ in the influent, almost complete removal of Cr(VI) was achieved at dilution rates of 0·15 and 0·32 day⁻¹ at 20°C and at 35°C, respectively. The optimum Cr(VI) mass loading and the specific Cr(VI) applied rates were found to be 5 mg Cr(VI) dm⁻³ day⁻¹ and 0·02 mg Cr(VI) mg⁻¹ VSS day⁻¹, respectively. Either the influent Cr(VI) concentration or the dilution rate could be adjusted to maintain an efficient removal of Cr(VI) in a continuous operation. Since the Cr(VI)-reducing activity is associated with the biomass concentration in the system, recycling the effluent solids is essential for practical application. In a batch reactor with the biomass collected from the chemostat, NaAc degradation appeared to be proportional to Cr(VI) reduction with the ratio of 9 mg C mg⁻¹ Cr(VI) at 35°C. As reactions proceeded, the oxidation–reduction potential correspondingly decreased and both pH and alkalinity increased. © 1997 SCI.     

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.     

Separation of Cr(VI) from Water by Green Reduction Reaction and Adsorptive Removal on Gelatin-Grafted-Yeast Biosorbent

A green chemical method was explored and described for separation and extraction of the toxic hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions and real water samples. A green reduction reaction for the transformation of toxic hexavalent chromium into the nontoxic trivalent chromium ion was performed by using hydrogen peroxide. The produced Cr(III) was then extracted by biosorption on the surface of a novel and eco-friendly gelatin-grafted-baker’s yeast (Gelatin-Yeast) biosorbent. The investigated biosorbent was characterized by high capacity value of the reduced trivalent chromium species in pH 6.0 as 1.120 mmol g^?1. The biosorption processes were examined, monitored, and optimized in different experimental and controlling parameters. The potential applications of Gelatin-Yeast for separation and removal of Cr(VI) from real industrial and sea water samples were also studied.