The Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solutions Using Modified Holly Sawdust: Equilibrium and Kinetics Studies

Abstract

The removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions onto modified holly sawdust was studied at varying initial hexavalent chromium concentrations, adsorbent doses, pHs and contact times. The removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions increased with increasing adsorbent dosage and contact time. The percentage of hexavalent chromium removed from the aqueous solutions decreased with increasing hexavalent chromium concentration and pH of the solution. The kinetics of the adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto modified holly sawdust was analyzed using pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order models. The pseudo second-order model described the kinetics of adsorption of hexavalent chromium. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used for modeling of the adsorption equilibrium data. The Langmuir isotherm model well described the equilibrium data for the removal of hexavalent chromium by modified holly sawdust. The obtained maximum adsorption capacity was 18.86 mg/g at pH 7. The results showed that modified holly sawdust can be used as a low cost adsorbent for the treatment of aqueous solutions containing chromium.