Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions by the husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arientinum)

Ahalya, N and Kanamadi, RD and Ramachandra, TV (2005) Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions by the husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arientinum). In: Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 8 (3). pp. 258-264.

PDF a05.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (322kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The potential to remove Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions through biosorption using the husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arientinum), was investigated in batch experiments. The results showed removal of 99.9% of chromium in the 10 $mgl^{-1}$ chromium solution, the biomass required at saturation was 1 g $mg^{-1}$. Kinetic experiments revealed that the dilute chromium solutions reached equilibrium within 180 min. The biosorptive capacity of the (bgh) was dependent on the pH of the chromium solution, with pH 2 being optimal. The adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 91.64 mg Cr (VI)/g at pH 2. The adsorption capacity increased with increase in agitation speed and an optimum was achieved at 120 rpm. The biosorption of Cr (VI) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which suggested that the presence of Cr (VI)ions in the biomass affects the bands corresponding to hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Comprehensive characterisation of parameters indicates bgh to be an excellent material for biosorption of Cr (VI) to treat wastewaters containing low concentration of the metal.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Electronic Journal of Biotechnology
Publisher:	Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
Keywords:	agro-wastes;Bengal gram husk (bgh);Cicer arientinum;chromium biosorption;isotherms;fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2008 10:01
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:53
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/16795

Actions (login required)

View Item