Preparation and application of organo-modified zeolitic material in the removal of chromates and iodides

The removal of chromates and iodides from aqueous solutions by organo-modified tuffs from the Pentolofos area (Thrace, Greece) was investigated using (51)Cr- and (131)I-labelled solutions and gamma-ray spectroscopy. The zeolitic material was modified by hexadecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br) and octadecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (ODTMA-Br) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR spectrometry and zeta potential measurements. Both experimental study and modelling indicated that both organo-zeolitic sorbents have a bigger affinity for iodide than for chromate. The chromium uptake did not seem to be influenced by the type of modifier but showed, as expected, a dependence on the solution pH. The maximum sorption capacity (2.27 mg/g) of Cr(VI) was achieved for the solution of initial pH 4. On the other hand, the HDTMA-modified tuff showed a lower sorption affinity for iodides than did the ODTMA-modified one (3.37 and 4.02 mg/g, respectively).     

Cr(III)-imprinted polymeric beads: Sorption and preconcentration studies

The purpose of this study is to prepare a novel molecular imprinted adsorbent to Cr(III) analysis with high selectivity. Initially, chromium (III)-methacryloylhistidine (MAH/Cr(III)) complex monomer was synthesized and then Cr(III) ion imprinted ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate-methacryloylhistidine (poly(EDMA-MAH/Cr(III))) was polymerized. Cr(III) ions were removed from the Cr(III)-imprinting polymer. Selective cavity for the chromium (III) ions was obtained in the (poly(EDMA-MAH/Cr(III))) beads. These Cr(III)-imprinted beads were used in the sorption-desorption process. The effect of initial concentration of metal, the sorption rate and the pH of the medium on sorption capacity of Cr(III)-imprinting sorbents were studied. Sorption equilibrium time was achieved in about 30min. The maximum sorption of Cr(III) ions onto imprinted beads was about 69.28mg/g. Sorption studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions were also investigated using Cr(III)-imprinting polymers. The obtained results show that selectively adsorbed amount of Cr(III) ion on Cr(III)-imprinting polymers is higher than all other studied ions. When the beads were used repeatedly, their adsorption capacity was showed feasibility.     

Removal of chromium and toxic ions present in mine drainage by Ectodermis of Opuntia

This work presents conditions for hexavalent and trivalent chromium removal from aqueous solutions using natural, protonated and thermally treated Ectodermis of Opuntia. A removal of 77% of Cr(VI) and 99% of Cr(III) can be achieved. The sorbent material is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, before and after the contact with the chromium containing aqueous media. The results obtained from the characterization techniques indicate that the metal ion remains on the surface of the sorbent material. The percentage removal is found to depend on the initial chromium concentration and pH. The Cr(VI) and Cr(III) uptake process is maximum at pH 4, using 0.1g of sorbent per liter of aqueous solution. The natural Ectodermis of Opuntia showed a chromium adsorption capacity that was adequately described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Finally, an actual mine drainage sample that contained Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe Zn, Ni and Pb was tested under optimal conditions for chromium removal and Ectodermis of Opuntia was found to be a suitable sorbent material. The use of this waste material for the treatment of metal-containing aqueous solutions as well as mine drainage is effective and economical.     

Activated carbons and low cost adsorbents for remediation of tri- and hexavalent chromium from water

Hexavalent chromium is a well-known highly toxic metal, considered a priority pollutant. Industrial sources of Cr(VI) include leather tanning, cooling tower blowdown, plating, electroplating, anodizing baths, rinse waters, etc. The most common method applied for chromate control is reduction of Cr(VI) to its trivalent form in acid (pH approximately 2.0) and subsequent hydroxide precipitation of Cr(III) by increasing the pH to approximately 9.0-10.0 using lime. Existing overviews of chromium removal only cover selected technologies that have traditionally been used in chromium removal. Far less attention has been paid to adsorption. Herein, we provide the first review article that provides readers an overview of the sorption capacities of commercial developed carbons and other low cost sorbents for chromium remediation. After an overview of chromium contamination is provided, more than 300 papers on chromium remediation using adsorption are discussed to provide recent information about the most widely used adsorbents applied for chromium remediation. Efforts to establish the adsorption mechanisms of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on various adsorbents are reviewed. Chromium's impact environmental quality, sources of chromium pollution and toxicological/health effects is also briefly introduced. Interpretations of the surface interactions are offered. Particular attention is paid to comparing the sorption efficiency and capacities of commercially available activated carbons to other low cost alternatives, including an extensive table.     

A comparative study of two chelating ion-exchange resins for the removal of chromium(III) from aqueous solution

Macroporous resins containing iminodiacetic acid (IDA) groups (Lewatit TP 207 and Chelex-100) were investigated as a function of concentration, temperature and pH for their sorption properties towards chromium(III). The chromium(III) ions sorbed onto the resin and in the equilibrium concentration were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer. The maximum sorption for chromium ions was observed at pH 4.5. Solution pH had a strong effect on the equilibrium constant of Cr(III). The equilibrium constants were 320 and 7 at pH value 4.5 for Lewatit TP 207 and Chelex-100 resin, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm was used to describe observed sorption phenomena. Both the sorbents had high bonding constants with Lewatit TP 207 showing stronger binding. The equilibrium related to adsorption capacity and energy of adsorption was obtained by using plots of Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of 0.288 mmol of Cr(III)/g for Chelex-100 and 0.341 mmol of Cr(III)/g for Lewatit TP 207 was achieved at pH of 4.5. The rise in temperature caused a slight increase in the value of the equilibrium constant (K_c) for the sorption of chromium(III) ion.     

Removal of trivalent chromium from aqueous solution by zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash

The capability of 14 zeolites synthesized from different fly ashes (ZFAs) to sequestrate Cr(III) from aqueous solutions was investigated in a batch mode. The influence of pH on the sorption of Cr(III) was examined. ZFAs had a much greater ability than fly ash to remove Cr(III), due to the high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the high acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) of ZFAs. The mechanism of Cr(III) removal by ZFAs involved ion exchange and precipitation. A high-calcium content in both the fly ashes and ZFAs resulted in a high ANC value and, as a result, a high immobilization capacity for Cr(III). The pH strongly influenced Cr(III) removal by ZFAs. Inside the solubility range, removal of chromium increased with increasing pH. Hydroxysodalite made from a high-calcium fly ash had a higher sorptive capacity for Cr(III) than the NaP1 zeolite from medium- and low-calcium fly ashes. On the other hand, at pH values above the solubility range, the efficiency of chromium removal by the ZFAs approached 100% due to the precipitation of Cr(OH)3 on the sorbent surfaces. It is concluded that ZFAs and high-calcium fly ashes may be promising materials for the purification of Cr(III) from water/wastewater.     

Chromium removal from aqueous solution by the ferrite process

This research summarises the results of the study on the removal of chromium by applying the ferrite process to the solutions obtained from two different Cr(VI) reduction processes utilising sodium sulphite and ferrous sulphate as reducing agents. For both solutions containing trivalent chromium ions, the optimum treatment conditions were determined. The generated sludges were characterised by XRD analysis and physical tests. In addition, to explore the dissolution properties of the sludges obtained, they were contacted with the solutions of sulphuric, citric, tartaric, oxalic and ascorbic acids and EDTA. Also, the sludge samples were subjected to standard toxicity characterisation leaching procedure (TCLP) test of USEPA in order to determine the pollution potential. An efficient Cr(III) removal (about 100%) in the solution from the Cr(VI) reduction process utilising sodium sulphite as reducing agent was achieved when the solution was treated at pH 9 and 50 degrees C for 60 min in the presence of Fe2+/Cr3+ weight ratio of 16. For the other Cr(III) solution prepared from Cr(VI) reduction by ferrous sulphate, a Fe2+/Cr3+ weight ratio of 17.9 at the same conditions was found to produce complete removal of Cr(III). It was determined that the spynel chromium-iron compounds obtained in the process were in the form of chromite (Cr2FeO4). Dissolution experiments and TCLP tests show that the concentrations of the chromium dissolved from both sludges were below the limit given as 5 mg l(-1) by USEPA. The results showed that Cr(III) removal through ferrite process provides the advantages that the sludges generated are non-voluminous, easily separable and environmentally stable.     

Biosorption of Cr(III) ions by eggshells

The paper presents results of studies carried out on sorption of Cr(III) ions from aqueous solutions by eggshells as a low-cost sorbent. It was found that crushed eggshells possess relatively high sorption capacity, when comparing with other sorbents, that was evaluated as 21-160 mg/g. The effect of process parameters: pH, temperature, initial concentration of Cr(III) ions on the process kinetics was studied. It was found that the equilibrium of the process was reached after 60 min. Also equilibrium studies were performed: the effect of sorbent concentration and equilibrium Cr(III) concentration was studied. The maximum experimentally determined sorption capacity 160 mg/g was obtained at low sorbent concentration at 20 degrees C and pH 5. It was found that sorption capacity increased with the increase of Cr(III) concentration, temperature and sorbent concentration. Mathematical models describing kinetics and equilibrium of sorption were proposed. The process kinetics was described with pseudo-second-order pattern and equilibrium was described with Langmuir-type equation, and the influence of sorbate concentration, with an empirical dependence. The models were positively verified. Eggshells were able to remove the concentration of Cr(III) ions below the acceptable level, i.e. at 40 degrees C, at the initial concentration of metal ions 100 mg/kg, at sorbent concentration 15 g/l.     

Characteristics and mechanisms of hexavalent chromium removal by biochar from sugar beet tailing

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions using biochar from sugar beet tailing (SBT) was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, and biochar mass via batch experiments. The surface characteristics of SBT biochar before and after Cr(VI) sorption was investigated with scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that most of the Cr bound to SBT biochar was Cr(III). These results indicated that the electrostatic attraction of Cr(VI) to positively charged biochar surface, reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ion, and complexation between Cr(III) ion and SBT's function groups were probably responsible for Cr(VI) removal by SBT biochar. An initial solution with a pH of 2.0 was most favorable for Cr(VI) removal. The sorption process can be described by the pseudo-second order equation and Langmuir isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity for Cr(VI) was 123 mg/g under an acidic medium, which was comparable to other low-cost sorbents.     

Modeling of kinetics of Cr(VI) sorption onto grape stalk waste in a stirred batch reactor

Recently, Cr(VI) removal by grape stalks has been postulated to follow two mechanisms, adsorption and reduction to trivalent chromium. Nevertheless, the rate at which both processes take place and the possible simultaneity of both processes has not been investigated. In this work, kinetics of Cr(VI) sorption onto grape stalk waste has been studied. Experiments were carried out at different temperatures but at a constant pH (3 ± 0.1) in a stirred batch reactor. Results showed that three steps take place in the process of Cr(VI) sorption onto grape stalk waste: Cr(VI) sorption, Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) and the adsorption of the formed Cr(III). Taking into account the evidences above mentioned, a model has been developed to predict Cr(VI) sorption on grape stalks on the basis of (i) irreversible reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) reaction, whose reaction rate is assumed to be proportional to the Cr(VI) concentration in solution and (ii) adsorption and desorption of Cr(VI) and formed Cr(III) assuming that all the processes follow Langmuir type kinetics. The proposed model fits successfully the kinetic data obtained at different temperatures and describes the kinetics profile of total, hexavalent and trivalent chromium.The proposed model would be helpful for researchers in the field of Cr(VI) biosorption to design and predict the performance of sorption processes.     

Removal of toxic chromium from wastewater using green alga Ulva lactuca and its activated carbon

Biosorption of heavy metals can be an effective process for the removal of toxic chromium ions from wastewater. In this study, the batch removal of toxic hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solution, saline water and wastewater using marine dried green alga Ulva lactuca was investigated. Activated carbon prepared from U. lactuca by acid decomposition was also used for the removal of chromium from aqueous solution, saline water and wastewater. The chromium uptake was dependent on the initial pH and the initial chromium concentration, with pH approximately 1.0, being the optimum pH value. Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Koble-Corrigan isotherm models were fitted well the equilibrium data for both sorbents. The maximum efficiencies of chromium removal were 92 and 98% for U. lactuca and its activated carbon, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 10.61 and 112.36 mg g(-1) for dried green alga and activated carbon developed from it, respectively. The adsorption capacities of U. lactuca and its activated carbon were independent on the type of solution containing toxic chromium and the efficiency of removal was not affected by the replacing of aqueous solution by saline water or wastewater containing the same chromium concentration. Two hours were necessary to reach the sorption equilibrium. The chromium uptake by U. lactuca and its activated carbon form were best described by pseudo second-order rate model. This study verifies the possibility of using inactivated marine green alga U. lactuca and its activated carbon as valuable material for the removal of chromium from aqueous solutions, saline water or wastewater.     

Untreated coffee husks as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

The objective of this work was to propose an alternative use for coffee husks (CH), a coffee processing residue, as untreated sorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. Biosorption studies were conducted in a batch system as a function of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, biosorbent concentration and pH of the solution. A contact time of 72 h assured attainment of equilibrium for Cu(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II). The sorption efficiency after equilibrium was higher for Cu(II) (89-98% adsorption), followed by Cd(II) (65-85%) and Zn(II) (48-79%). Even though equilibrium was not attained in the case of Cr(VI) ions, sorption efficiency ranged from 79 to 86%. Sorption performance improved as metal ions concentrations were lowered. The experimental sorption equilibrium data were fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich sorption models, with Langmuir providing the best fit (R2>0.95). The biosorption kinetics was determined by fitting first and second-order kinetic models to the experimental data, being better described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2>0.99). The amount of metal ions sorbed increased with the biosorbent concentration in the case of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) and did not present significant variations for the other metal ions. The effect of the initial pH in the biosorption efficiency was verified in the pH range of 4-7, and the results showed that the highest adsorption capacity occurred at distinct pH values for each metal ion. A comparison of the maximum sorption capacity of several untreated biomaterial-based residues showed that coffee husks are suitable candidates for use as biosorbents in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.     

Uptake of trivalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions using kaolinite

The sorption of Cr(III) from aqueous solutions on kaolinite has been studied by a batch technique. We have investigated how solution pH, ionic strength and temperature affect this process. The adsorbed amount of chromium ions on kaolinite has increased with increasing pH and temperature when it has decreased with increasing ionic strength. The sorption of Cr(III) on kaolinite is endothermic process in nature. Sorption data have been interpreted in terms of Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The adsorption isotherm was measured experimentally at different conditions, and the experimental data were correlated reasonably well by the adsorption isotherm of the Langmuir, and the isotherm parameters (q(m) and K) have been calculated as well. The enthalpy change for chromium adsorption has been estimated as 7.0 kJ mol(-1). The order of enthalpy of adsorption corresponds to a physical reaction.     

Sorption of Cr(VI) ions on two Lewatit-anion exchange resins and their quantitative determination using UV-visible spectrophotometer

The sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions with macroporous resins which contain quarternary amine groups (Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500) was studied at varying Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and temperature. Batch shaking sorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchange resins in the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The concentration of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The ion exchange process, which is dependent on pH, showed maximum removal of Cr(VI) in the pH range 3-7 for an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 1x10(-3) M. The optimum pH for Cr(VI) adsorption was found as 5.0 for Lewatit MP 64 and 6.0 for Lewatit MP 500. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption at pH 5.0 is 0.40 and 0.41 mmol/g resin for Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchangers, respectively. The maximum chromium sorption occurred at approximately 60 min for Lewatit MP 64 and 75 min for Lewatit MP 500. The suitability of the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models was also investigated for each chromium-sorbent system. The uptake of Cr(VI) by the anion exchange resins was reversible and so it has good potential for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Both ion exchangers had high bonding constants but Lewatit MP 500 showed stronger binding. The rise in the temperature caused a slight decrease in the value of the equilibrium constant (K(c)) for the sorption of Cr(VI) ion.     

Characterization of chromium (III) removal from aqueous solutions by an immature coal (leonardite). Toward a better understanding of the phenomena involved

Removal of chromium (III) from aqueous solutions by leonardite (a low-cost adsorbent) was studied in a series of batch experiments. Stabilization of the adsorbent material with alginate beads was also investigated. The extent of adsorption was evaluated as a function of the solution pH, contact time, and the adsorbate concentration. Cr(III) removal was pH dependent, reaching a maximum at a pH range of 4–5. Kinetic studies allowed gives relevant information regarding mass transfer processes involved during the sorption process. Equilibrium data fitted well to both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the maximum adsorption capacity turned out to be 75.2 mg Cr(III) g^?1. Encapsulation of leonardite in alginate beads resulted in a slightly lower adsorption capacity.     

Removal of chromium from aqueous solution by using oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The batch removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solution by using oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied under ambient conditions. The effect of pH, initial concentration of Cr(VI), MWCNT content, contact time and ionic strength on the removal of Cr(VI) was also investigated. The removal was favored at low pH with maximum removal at pH <2. The adsorption kinetics was modeled by first-order reversible kinetics, pseudo-first-order kinetics, pseudo-second-order kinetics, and intraparticle diffusion models, respectively. The rate constants for all these kinetic models were calculated, and the results indicate that pseudo-second-order kinetics model was well suitable to model the kinetic adsorption of Cr(VI). The removal of chromium mainly depends on the occurrence of redox reaction of adsorbed Cr(VI) on the surface of oxidized MWCNTs to the formation of Cr(III), and subsequent the sorption of Cr(III) on MWCNTs appears as the leading mechanism for chromium uptake to MWCNTs. The presence of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on oxidized MWCNTs was confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The application of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms are applied to fit the adsorption data of Cr(VI). Equilibrium data were well described by the typical Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Overall, the study demonstrated that MWCNTs can effectively remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution under a wide range of experimental conditions, without significant Cr(III) release.     

Application of a by-product of Lentinus edodes to the bioremediation of chromate contaminated water

The agricultural by-product of Lentinus edodes was used as a novel biosorbent for bioremediation of chromate contaminated waste water in the simulated experimental conditions. The contact time, particle size, biosorbent dosage and optimum pH range were investigated to optimize the sorption condition. The biosorption by the biomass was strongly affected by pH. At pH 1.0-2.5, all hexavalent chromium was diminished, either removed by the biosorbent or reduced to less toxic trivalent chromium even in very high concentration of 1000 mg/L. The adsorbed hexavalent chromium and reduced trivalent chromium were both linearly dependent on the initial chromium concentration. Most uptake of Cr occurred at pH around 4. The maximum uptake of chromium was 21.5 mg/g when simulated with Langmuir model, which showed the potential biosorption capacity of this biomaterial. The change of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) during biosorption process revealed strong reduction ability of this biosorbent. Comparing analysis from Fourier transform infrared spectrums indicated that nitrogen oxide and carboxyl groups were increased after biosorption. The energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyzer revealed the mechanism of cation exchange during biosorption.     

Chromium (III) uptake by agro-waste biosorbents: Chemical characterization, sorption–desorption studies, and mechanism

Within their complex structure, agro-waste materials such as sorghum straw (SS), oats straw (OS) and agave bagasse (AB) have functional groups (i.e. carboxyl and phenolic) that play a major role in metals sorption. The advantages of these materials include availability, low-cost, and a reasonable metal sorption capacity. These agro-waste materials were chemically characterized by acid-base titrations and ATR-FTIR analyses in order to determine their functional groups, equilibrium constants, and surface charge distribution. Batch experiments were conducted at pH 3 and 4, at 25 °C and 35 °C to determine the biosorbents chromium (III) sorption capacity. Partially saturated biosorbents were desorbed with HNO₃, NaOH, and EDTA at different concentrations and temperatures (25 °C, 35 °C, and 55 °C). Finally, the chromium (III) sorption mechanism was discussed.Agro-waste materials functional groups are associated, in part, to carboxyl and hydroxyl groups: these oxygen-containing sites play an important role in the chromium (III) removal. The maximum chromium (III) sorption capacity was 6.96, 12.97, and 11.44 mg/g at pH 4 for acid-washed SS, OS, and AB, respectively. The chromium (III) sorption capacity decreased at pH 3 because H⁺ ions competed for the same functional groups. On the other hand, an increase in temperature enhanced both the biosorbents chromium (III) sorption capacity and their desorption by EDTA. The most probable chromium (III) sorption mechanisms were ion exchange and complexation.The agro-waste materials studied herein efficiently remove chromium (III) from aqueous solution and, most importantly, EDTA can efficiently desorb Cr (III) from agro-waste materials at 55 °C.     

Biosorption mechanism of nine different heavy metals onto biomatrix from rice husk

A biomatrix was prepared from rice husk, a lignocellulosic waste from agro-industry, for the removal of several heavy metals as a function of pH and metal concentrations in single and mixed solutions. The biomatrix was characterized using scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the presence of several functional groups for binding metal ions. Different experimental approaches were applied to show mechanistic aspects, especially the role of calcium and magnesium present in the biomatrix in ion exchange mechanism. The ultimate maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir isotherm increases in the order (mmol/g): Ni (0.094), Zn (0.124), Cd (0.149), Mn (0.151), Co (0.162), Cu (0.172), Hg (0.18) and Pb (0.28). The sorption of Cr(III) onto biomatrix at pH 2 was 1.0 mmol/g. Speciation of chromium, cadmium and mercury loaded on the biomatrix was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The biomatrix has adsorption capacity comparable or greater to other reported sorbents.     

Removal of chromium(III) from tannery wastewater using activated carbon from sugar industrial waste

Chromium is commonly found in huge quantities in tannery wastewaters. For this reason, the removal and recovery of the chromium content of tannery wastewaters is crucial for environmental protection and economic reasons. Removal and recovery of chromium were carried out by using low-cost potential adsorbents. For this purpose three types of activated carbon; C1, the waste generated from sugar industry as waste products and the others (C2, C3) are commercial granular activated carbon, were used. The adsorption process and extent of adsorption are dependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of the adsorbent, adsorbate and experimental condition. The effect of pH, particle size and different adsorbent on the adsorption isotherm of Cr(III) was studied in batch system. The sorption data fitted well with Langmuir adsorption model. The efficiencies of activated carbon for the removal of Cr(III) were found to be 98.86, 98.6 and 93 % for C1, C2 and C3, respectively. The order of selectivity is C1>C2>C3 for removal of Cr(III) from tannery wastewater. Carbon "C1" of the highest surface area (520.66 m(2)/g) and calcium content (333.3 mg/l) has the highest adsorptive capacity for removal of Cr(III). The results revealed that the trivalent chromium is significantly adsorbed on activated carbon collected from sugar industry as waste products and the method could be used economically as an efficient technique for removal of Cr(III) and purification of tannery wastewaters.