Abstract
In the present research, the potential of two biochars produced by the thermal decomposition of wheat straw (BCS) and wicker (BCW) for Cr(VI) ions removing from wastewater was investigated. The pH and the presence of chlorides and nitrates were also investigated. The Freundlich and Langmuir models were applied for the characterization of adsorption isotherms. The Langmuir model has better fitting of adsorption isotherms than the Freundlich model. The sorption process can be described by the pseudo second-order equation. The optimal adsorption capacities were obtained at pH 2 and were 24.6 and 23.6 mg/g for BCS and BCW, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirmed that Cr(III) ions were the most abundant chromium species on the biochars’ surface. The results indicated that the sorption mechanism of Cr(VI) on biochar involves anionic and cationic adsorption combined with Cr(VI) species reduction.
Highlights
Chromium occurs in the environment in natural forms as a ferric chromite (FeCr2O4), crocoite (PbCrO4), and chromeResponsible editor: Philippe GarriguesA
The lowest H/C ratio for BCs were 14.36 mg/g (BCS) was associated with the aromatic structure, with BCS having the higher carbonization level than for BCs were produced from a wicker (BCW)
The studied BCs were characterized by similar chromium sorption capacities
Summary
R. Dobrowolski Department of Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland ochre (Cr2O3) (Mohan and Pittman 2006). Dobrowolski Department of Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland ochre (Cr2O3) (Mohan and Pittman 2006) It is delivered into the environment from anthropogenic sources which are caused by the wide exploitation of chromium in the industry. This element and its compounds have applications in electroplating, metal finishing, petroleum refining, magnetic tapes, pigments, leather tanning, wood protection, chemical manufacturing, brass, electrical and electronic equipment, nuclear power plants, and catalysis (Kuo and Bembenek 2008; Gottipati and Mishra 2010). Chromium contaminants released by these industries are input into the soil, surface water, drinking water, and groundwater, and afterwards pass through the cell membrane of the living organism and to the food chain to the human body
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