Evaluation of humic acid, chromium (VI) and TiO2 ternary system in relation to adsorptive interactions

Batch adsorption studies were carried out for the assessment of the adsorptive interactions of the system composed of humic acid, Cr(VI) and TiO₂. These were preceded by a thorough investigation of the effect of the chromium ion concentration on the adsorption of humic acid onto TiO₂. The adsorption equilibrium of total chromium, humic acid, and titanium dioxide in water were examined separately and in all combinations in order to distinguish the effects based on the interaction of the components. The adsorption data for the binary system as well as the ternary system were modeled with a simple Freundlich model and the model parameters were compared in terms of Cr(VI) and humic acid as expressed by Color₄₃₆ (color forming moieties) and UV₂₅₄ (UV absorbing centers) parameters.

In binary systems composed of Cr(VI) and TiO₂ no direct relationship could be assessed between adsorption capacity values (K_F) and changes in chromium ion concentration. Chromium ion and humic acid interactions were followed by UV-Vis spectra. A minor change irrespective of added chromium ion concentration was observed for Color₄₃₆ and UV₂₅₄ parameters of humic acid (<5%). However, a significant alteration was observed at 365 nm wavelength indicating the formation of chromate esters. In ternary systems comprising humic acid, Cr(VI) and TiO₂, increasing Cr(VI) concentration five-fold did not cause drastic changes in the adsorption capacity values in terms of Cr(VI) concentration. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity values for color forming moieties as well as for UV absorbing centers of humic acid exhibited a decreasing trend with respect to increasing chromium ion concentration.