Comparative Study of Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Water Using Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

V N Bhusari,Amit Bansiwal,Rashmi Dahake,Sadhana Rayalu

doi:10.4236/anp.2016.51008

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium is one of the important heavy metals found in water and wastewater. The hexavalent form of chromium is considered to be a human carcinogen because of its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. This work has focused on the comparison of copper oxide nanoparticles and aluminium oxide nanoparticles for the removal of chromium(VI) from water. The cooper oxide nanoparticles (CuNP) and aluminium oxide nanoparticles (AlNP) were synthesised by sol gel method. Both the adsorbents were evaluated for the adsorption capacity using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption model. The CuNP and AlNP were characterized for X-ray diffraction and SEM. The study indicated that the AlNP showed better removal as compared to CuNP and can be further explored as potential adsorbent for hexavalent chromium removal.

Highlights

Chromium is widely used by many industries and released into environment through various industrial processes including metal finishing industry, iron and steel industries and inorganic chemicals production, tanneries etc
CuNP was synthesised by taking 0.1 M of Copper Nitrate used as a precursor solution and mono hydrated citric acid (Merck 99.5%) as a gelating agent in appropriate amount of deionised water
The diameter of particles shows that most of the particles are below 100 nm, the accurate shape and size of particles could not be determined as the particles are agglomerated

Summary

Introduction

Chromium is widely used by many industries and released into environment through various industrial processes including metal finishing industry, iron and steel industries and inorganic chemicals production, tanneries etc. High concentration of chromium in water may cause hazard to the environment [1]. Hexavalent chromium and its compounds are highly toxic and are considered as a carcinogen and mutagens [2]. (2016) Comparative Study of Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Water Using Metal Oxide Nanoparticles. Most surface water contains 1 to 10 μg/liter of hexavalent chromium. The current guideline as per WHO value is 0.05 mg/liter (WHO/SDE/WSH/03.04/04)

Methods

Results

Conclusion