Title: Sorptive removal of Cr (III) ions from aqueous solution onto beach sand

Authors: Syed Iqleem Haider Taqvi, Syed Moosa Hasany, Mohammad Iqbal Bhanger

Addresses: Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, P.O Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan. ' Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, P.O Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan. ' Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Abstract: Sorption potential of beach sand for the removal of traces of Cr(III) ions has been investigated. The effects of different electrolytes namely nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and perchloric acid (10−2 to 10−4 M), deionised water, shaking time (5–40 min), amount of sand (50–300 mg/15 cm³) and pH (2–10)on the sorption were studied. The sorption of Cr (III) ions is monitored in its concentration range of 10−4 to 10−6 M. Maximum sorption (84.3%) was achieved from deionised water in 30 min agitation time. The sorption data have been tested using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevick (D–R)sorption isotherms at different temperatures. The kinetics of sorption follow Reichenberg and Lagergren equations. The influence of diverse ions on the sorption was also studied. Main purpose of this study was to explore beach sand, a cheap and locally available material, as a sorbent for the removal of traces of Cr (III) ions from aqueous solutions.

Keywords: sorption; beach sand; Cr (III) ions; sorption isotherms; kinetics; thermodynamics; ion removal; electrolytes; nitric acid; hydrochloric acid; perchloric acid; deionised water; aqueous solutions; chromium removal; industrial effluent; pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2008.017861

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.9 No.1, pp.70 - 86

Published online: 20 Apr 2008 *

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