Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Using Activated Red Mud

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional chromium(VI) removal methods face challenges.
• Industrial effluents often contain toxic chromium(VI).

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate activated red mud (ARM) as an adsorbent for chromium(VI) removal.
• Evaluate ARM's adsorption characteristics and influencing factors.

Main Methods:

• Adsorption experiments using synthetic solutions and industrial effluents.
• Analysis of factors: pH, contact time, Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent amount, temperature.
• Testing Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms.

Main Results:

• ARM exhibits heterogeneous adsorption sites.
• Optimal adsorption conditions were identified.
• Loading factor increased with initial Cr(VI) concentration.
• Adsorption capacity decreased with increasing temperature.

Conclusions:

• Activated red mud is a viable adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal.
• Adsorption is influenced by solution chemistry and temperature.
• Further research can optimize ARM for wastewater treatment.