Removal of chromium(VI) from water and wastewater by using riverbed sand: kinetic and equilibrium studies

Cr(VI) is a priority pollutant and has been documented to be harmful to fauna, flora and human beings and chromium containing water and wastewater are hazardous. Removal of Cr(VI) by adsorption on a non-toxic natural substance, riverbed sand has been investigated. A maximum removal of 74.3% was noted at 0.50 x 10(-4)M concentration of Cr(VI) in solution. Kinetic and equilibrium studies of Cr(VI) removal have been carried out. Chemical analysis of the adsorbent revealed SiO2 to be its major component. Kinetic data of adsorption was fitted by Lagergreen's model and k(ad), the rate constant of adsorption, was found be maximum 2.69 x 10(-2)min(-1) at 25 degrees C with minimum at 35 degrees C. Values of coefficients of intra-particle diffusion and mass transfer have been determined at different values of temperature. Langmuir's model has been used for equilibrium studies and the constants have been calculated. The studies conducted show the process of Cr(VI) removal to be exothermic in nature.     

Biosorption of total chromium from aqueous solution by red algae (Ceramium virgatum): equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

This study focused on the biosorption of total chromium onto red algae (Ceramium virgatum) biomass from aqueous solution. Experimental parameters affecting biosorption process such as pH, contact time, biomass dosage and temperature were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherms. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The biosorption capacity of C. virgatum biomass for total chromium was found to be 26.5 mg/g at pH 1.5 and 10 g/L biomass dosage, 90 min equilibrium time and 20 °C. From the D–R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 9.7 kJ/mol, indicating that the biosorption of total chromium was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°and ΔS°) showed that the biosorption of total chromium onto C. virgatum biomass was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 20–50 °C. Kinetic evaluation of experimental data showed that the biosorption processes of total chromium followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

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.     

Removal of mercury(II) from aqueous solutions and chlor-alkali industry effluent by steam activated and sulphurised activated carbons prepared from bagasse pith: kinetics and equilibrium studies

The adsorption of mercury from aqueous solutions and chlor-alkali industry effluent on steam activated and sulphurised steam activated carbons prepared from bagasse pith have been studied comparatively. The uptake of mercury(II) (Hg(II)) was maximum by steam activated carbon in presence of SO(2) and H(2)S (SA-SO(2)-H(2)S-C) followed by steam activated carbon in presence of SO(2) (SA-SO(2)-C), steam activated carbon in presence of H(2)S (SA-H(2)S-C) and steam activated carbon (SA-C) at the same concentration, pH and temperature of the solution. Adsorption experiments demonstrate that the adsorption process corresponds to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and equilibrium results correspond to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Kinetic parameters as a function of initial concentration, for all adsorbents were calculated. Batch studies indicated that the optimum pH range for the adsorption of Hg(II) on sulphurised carbons was between 4 and 9 and for sulphur free carbon was between 6 and 9 at 30 degrees C. The adsorptive behaviour of the activated carbons is explained on the basis of their chemical nature and porous texture. Decrease in ionic strength and increase in temperature of the solution has been found to improve the uptake of Hg(II). Synthetic and chlor-alkali industrial wastewaters were also treated by sulphurised activated carbons to demonstrate their efficiencies in removing Hg(II) from wastewaters. Some feasibility experiments have been carried out with a view to recover the adsorbed Hg(II) and regenerate the spent activated carbons using 0.2M HCl solution. The data obtained point towards viable adsorbents, which are both effective as well as economically attractive for Hg(II) removal from wastewaters.     

Removal of lead from aqueous solution using Syzygium cumini L.: equilibrium and kinetic studies

The biosorption of lead ions from aqueous solution by Syzygium cumini L. was studied in a batch adsorption system as a function of pH, contact time, lead ion concentration, adsorbent concentration and adsorbent size. The biosorption capacities and rates of lead ions onto S. cumini L. were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Temkin adsorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and isotherm constants. Biosorption isothermal data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir model followed by Temkin model with maximum adsorption capacity of 32.47 mg/g of lead ion on S. cumini L. leaves biomass. The kinetic experimental data were properly correlated with the second-order kinetic model.     

Removal of cephalexin from aqueous solutions by original and Cu(II)/Fe(III) impregnated activated carbons developed from lotus stalks Kinetics and equilibrium studies

Lotus stalk activated carbon (AC) was produced by ultrasound digestion of lotus stalks in H(3)PO(4). Copper nitrate and iron nitrate were used to impregnate AC, producing Cu(II)-impregnated AC (AC-Cu) and Fe(III)-impregnated AC (AC-Fe). The modified ACs were characterized by N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of cephalexin (CEX) in aqueous solution were studied for AC, AC-Cu and AC-Fe. The kinetics and equilibrium data agreed well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and Freundlich isotherm model for all three adsorbents. The results also showed that the adsorption capacities of AC-Cu and AC-Fe were larger than the capacity of AC and AC-Fe was found to be the most effective at the removal of CEX in solution. Furthermore, batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of pH (2.5-10.5), initial concentration of CEX (4-16 mg/L), ionic strength (10-1000 mM) on CEX removal.     

Removal of direct blue-106 dye from aqueous solution using new activated carbons developed from pomegranate peel: adsorption equilibrium and kinetics

The use of cheap, high efficiency and ecofriendly adsorbent has been studied as an alternative source of activated carbon for the removal of dyes from wastewater. This study investigates the use of activated carbons prepared from pomegranate peel for the removal of direct blue dye from aqueous solution. A series of experiments were conducted in a batch system to assess the effect of the system variables, i.e. initial pH, temperature, initial dye concentration adsorbent dosage and contact time. The results showed that the adsorption of direct blue dye was maximal at pH 2, as the amount of adsorbent increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly but it decreased with the increase in initial dye concentration and solution temperature. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow pseudo-second-order rate kinetic model, with a good correlation (R(2)>0.99) and intra-particle diffusion as one of the rate determining steps. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-RadushKevich (D-R) and Harkins-Jura isotherms were used to analyze the equilibrium data at different temperatures. In addition, various thermodynamic parameters, such as standard Gibbs free energy (DeltaG degrees ), standard enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ), standard entropy (DeltaS degrees ), and the activation energy (E(a)) have been calculated. The adsorption process of direct blue dye onto different activated carbons prepared from pomegranate peel was found to be spontaneous and exothermic process. The findings of this investigation suggest that the physical sorption plays a role in controlling the sorption rate.     

Removal of chromium Cr(VI) by low-cost chemically activated carbon materials from water

Low-cost, chemically activated carbon materials, Pellet-600 and PVA-300, were prepared at relatively low temperatures and show more effective removal efficiency of Cr(VI) from water than commercially available activated carbons tested. The Pellet-600 is a pelletized carbon material with high mesoporous volumes and surface area, and the PVA-300 is composed of a high surface area carbon coating on a fiberglass mat substrate. A much faster adsorption kinetics and a much higher adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) are achieved by the Pellet-600. At very low concentrations of Cr(VI), the PVA-300 displays a strong adsorption ability for Cr(VI). XPS data show an increase in the atomic ratio of Cr/C and oxidation of carbon materials after adsorption of Cr(VI). These results suggest that a high content of mesopores with a high surface area and surface functional groups greatly improve the Cr(VI) removal efficiency from water.     

Biosorption of palladium(II) from aqueous solution by moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum) biomass: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) removal by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) were investigated with self-made polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes in the present work. Permeability and ion rejection efficiency of the membrane were tested before the arsenic removal experiments. A maximum permeate flux 20.90 kg/m(2)h was obtained, and due to the hydrophobic property, the PVDF membrane had high rejection of inorganic anions and cations which was independent of the solution pH and the temperature. The experimental results indicated that DCMD process had higher removal efficiency of arsenic than pressure-driven membrane processes, especially for high-concentration arsenic and arsenite removal. The experimental results indicated that the permeate As(III) and As(V) were under the maximum contaminant limit (10 microg/L) until the feed As(III) and As(V) achieved 40 and 2000 mg/L, respectively. The 250 h simultaneous DCMD performance of 0.5mg/L As(III) and As(V) solution was carried out, respectively. The permeate arsenic was not detected during the process which showed the PVDF membrane had stable arsenic removal efficiency. Membrane morphology changed slightly after the experiments, however, the permeability and the ion rejection of the membrane did not change.     

Biosorption of cadmium(II) from aqueous solution by red algae (Ceramium virgatum): equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

The biosorption characteristics of Cd(II) ions using the red alga (Ceramium virgatum) were investigated. Experimental parameters affecting the biosorption process such as pH, contact time, biomass dosage and temperature were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherms. The biosorption capacity of C. virgatum biomass for Cd(II) ions was found to be 39.7 mg/g. From the D-R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 12.7 kJ/mol, indicating that the biosorption of Cd(II) the metal ions was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees ) showed that the biosorption of Cd(II) ions onto C. virgatum was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 293-323 K. Evaluation of experimental data in terms of biosorption kinetics showed that the biosorption of Cd(II) C. virgatum followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

Removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solution by adsorption onto two marine isolates of Yarrowia lipolytica

The removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions by the biomass of two marine strains of Yarrowia lipolytica (NCIM 3589 and 3590) was studied with respect to pH, temperature, biomass, sea salt concentration, agitation speed, contact time and initial concentration of chromium (VI) ions. Maximum biosorption was observed at pH 1.0 and at a temperature of 35 °C. Increase in biomass and sea salts resulted in a decreased metal uptake. With an agitation speed of 130 rpm, equilibrium was attained within 2 h. Under optimum conditions, biosorption was enhanced with increasing concentrations of Cr (VI) ions. NCIM 3589 and 3590 displayed a specific uptake of Cr (VI) ions of 63.73 ± 1.3 mg g⁻¹ at a concentration of 950 ppm and 46.09 ± 0.23 mg g⁻¹ at 955 ppm, respectively. Scatchard plot analysis revealed a straight line allowing the data to be fitted in the Langmuir model. The adsorption data obtained also fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. The surface sequestration of Cr (VI) by Y. lipolytica was investigated with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) as well as with ED-X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the involvement of carboxyl, hydroxyl and amide groups on the cell surfaces in chromium binding.     

Comments on "Removal of lead from aqueous solution using Syzygium cumini L.: equilibrium and kinetic studies"

This letter reports the importance and advantages of the constraints in the Redlich-Peterson isotherm exponent.     

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on free cyanide adsorption from aqueous solution by activated carbon

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of free cyanide onto activated carbon were investigated in the batch tests, and the effects of contact time (1–72 h) and initial cyanide concentrations in the range of 102–532 mg/L were studied. Linear regression was used to determine the best fit of equilibrium and kinetics expressions. The two-parameter models including Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Temkin and four different linearized forms of Langmuir and three-parameter models including Redlich–Peterson and Koble–Corrigan were employed for fitting the equilibrium data and it was found that, three-parameter models fitted the data better than the two-parameter models and among the three-parameter models the equilibrium data are best represented by Koble–Corrigan model. A number of kinetic models including fractional power, zero order, first order, pseudo-first order, Elovich, second order, intraparticle diffusion and four different linearized forms of pseudo-second order models were tested to fit the kinetic data. The latter was found to be consistent with the data. Intraparticle diffusion plots show that the adsorption process of free cyanide is a two steps process. In the first step, the adsorption of cyanide is fast while in the second step, cyanide adsorption slows down.     

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.     

Biosorption of copper (II) onto immobilized cells of Pycnoporus sanguineus from aqueous solution: equilibrium and kinetic studies

The ability of white-rot fungus, Pycnoporus sanguineus to adsorb copper (II) ions from aqueous solution is investigated in a batch system. The live fungus cells were immobilized into Ca-alginate gel to study the influence of pH, initial metal ions concentration, biomass loading and temperature on the biosorption capacity. The optimum uptake of Cu (II) ions was observed at pH 5 with a value of 2.76mg/g. Biosorption equilibrium data were best described by Langmuir isotherm model followed by Redlich-Peterson and Freundlich models, respectively. The biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion equations. The thermodynamic parameters enthalpy change (10.16kJ/mol) and entropy change (33.78J/molK) were determined from the biosorption equilibrium data. The FTIR analysis showed that OH, NH, CH, CO, COOH and CN groups were involved in the biosorption of Cu (II) ions onto immobilized cells of P. sanguineus. The immobilized cells of P. sanguineus were capable of removing Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution.     

Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution using Azadirachta indica bark: equilibrium and kinetic studies

The removal of zinc ions from aqueous solutions on the biomass of Azadirachta indica bark has been studied by using batch adsorption technique. The biosorption studies were determined as a function of contact time, pH, initial metal ion concentration, average biosorbent size and biosorbent dosage. The equilibrium metal uptake was increased and percentage biosorption was decreased with an increase in the initial concentration and particle size of biosorbent. The maximum zinc biosorption occurred at pH 6 and percentage biosorption increases with increase in the biosorbent dosage. Experimental data obtained were tested with the adsorption models like Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. Biosorption isothermal data were well interpreted by Langmuir model with maximum biosorption capacity of 33.49mg/g of zinc ions on A. indica bark biomass and kinetic data were properly fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

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.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by agricultural waste biomass

In the present study adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions onto different agricultural wastes, viz., sugarcane bagasse, maize corn cob and Jatropha oil cake under various experimental conditions has been studied. Effects of adsorbent dosage, Cr(VI) concentration, pH and contact time on the adsorption of hexavalent chromium were investigated. The concentration of chromium in the test solution was determined spectrophotometrically. FT-IR spectra of the adsorbents (before use and after exhaustion) were recorded to explore number and position of the functional groups available for the binding of chromium ions on to studied adsorbents. SEMs of the adsorbents were recorded to explore the morphology of the studied adsorbents. Maximum adsorption was observed in the acidic medium at pH 2 with a contact time of 60min at 250rpm stirring speed. Jatropha oil cake had better adsorption capacity than sugarcane bagasse and maize corn cob under identical experimental conditions. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms was tested. The results showed that studied adsorbents can be an attractive low cost alternative for the treatment of wastewaters in batched or stirred mode reactors containing lower concentrations of chromium.     

Pyridine sorption from aqueous solution by rice husk ash (RHA) and granular activated carbon (GAC): parametric, kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic aspects

The present study deals with the adsorption of pyridine (Py) from synthetic aqueous solutions by rice husk ash (RHA) and commercial grade granular activated carbon (GAC) and reports on the kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic aspects of Py sorption. Batch sorption studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of various parameters, such as adsorbent dose (m), initial pH (pH0), contact time (t), initial concentration (C0) and temperature (T) on the removal of Py. The maximum removal of Py is found to be approximately 96% and approximately 97% at lower concentrations (<50 mg dm(-3)) and approximately 79.5% and approximately 84% at higher concentrations (600 mg dm(-3)) using 50 kg m(-3) and 30 kg m(-3) of RHA and GAC dosage, respectively, at 30+/-1 degrees C. Adsorption of Py is found to be endothermic in nature and the equilibrium data can be adequately represented by Toth and Redlich-Peterson isotherm equations. Py can be recovered from the spent adsorbents by using acidic water and 0.1 N H2SO4. The overall adsorption of Py on RHA and GAC is found to be in the order of GAC>RHA. Comparative assessment of adsorbents used by various investigators available in literature showed the effectiveness of BFA and RHA over other adsorbents. Spent RHA can simply be filtered, dried and used in the boiler furnaces/incinerators. Thus, its heating value can be recovered.