Removal of hexavalent chromium, an analogue of pertechnetate, from aqueous solution using bamboo (Acidosasa edulis) shoot shell

Abstract

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium, a nonradioactive analogue of pertechnetate, from aqueous solution by bamboo shoot shell (BSS) biosorbent was investigated. Characterization of the sorbent was performed by element analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of diverse parameters including solution pH, adsorbent concentration and adsorption time on the adsorption process were discussed in detail. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by the BSS obeyed Elovich kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity based on Langmuir model for BSS was 28.72 mg/g, which was higher than that of other biosorbents previously reported in the literature. The thermodynamic analysis suggested that Cr(VI) adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process. On the basis of these results, an adsorption-reduction interaction on the heterogeneous surface of biosorbent would be the predominant mechanism. The findings herein revealed that the BSS had great potential as a suitable and sustainable biosorbent material for the removal of pertechnetate.