Title: Removal of hexavalent chromium using coffee husk

Authors: N. Ahalya, R.D. Kanamadi, T.V. Ramachandra

Addresses: Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India. ' Department of Zoology, Karnataka University, Dharwad 580 003, India. ' Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India; Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, India

Abstract: The potential to remove chromium(VI) from aqueous solutions through biosorption using coffee husk was investigated. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption of Cr(VI) were studied. The data obeyed Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Langmuir adsorption capacity was found to be 44.95 mg/g. The Freundlich constants K_f and n were 1.027 [mg/g (litre/mg)ⁿ] and 1.493, respectively. Desorption studies indicated the removal of 60% of the hexavalent chromium. Infrared spectral studies revealed the presence of functional groups, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, on the surface of the biomass, which facilitates biosorption of Cr(VI).

Keywords: chromium(VI) removal; coffee husks; low-cost biosorbent; adsorption; infrared analysis; hexavalent chromium; bioremediation; biomass.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2010.035917

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2010 Vol.43 No.1/2/3, pp.106 - 116

Published online: 09 Oct 2010 *

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