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Biosorption of Cr(III) ions by eggshells
1Institute of Chemical Engineering and Heating Equipment, Wroclaw University of Technology, ul. Norwida 4/6, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland. k.chojnacka@ch.pwr.wroc.pl
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|May 12, 2005
Summary
Cr(III) ions in wastewater can be effectively removed using low-cost eggshell sorbents, achieving high sorption capacities up to 160 mg/g. This study optimized parameters like pH and temperature for efficient chromium removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Chromium(III) (Cr(III)) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant found in industrial wastewater.
- Effective and economical methods for Cr(III) removal are crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of eggshells as a low-cost sorbent for Cr(III) removal from aqueous solutions.
- To determine the optimal process parameters and sorption capacity of eggshells for Cr(III).
Main Methods:
- Sorption experiments were conducted using crushed eggshells.
- The effects of pH, temperature, initial Cr(III) concentration, and sorbent concentration were studied.
- Kinetic and equilibrium data were analyzed using pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively.
Main Results:
- Eggshells demonstrated a high sorption capacity for Cr(III), ranging from 21-160 mg/g.
- Sorption equilibrium was reached within 60 minutes.
- Maximum sorption capacity of 160 mg/g was achieved at pH 5, 20°C, and low sorbent concentration.
- Sorption capacity increased with Cr(III) concentration, temperature, and sorbent concentration.
Conclusions:
- Eggshells are a viable, low-cost biosorbent for efficient Cr(III) removal from wastewater.
- Optimized conditions allow for Cr(III) concentrations to be reduced below acceptable levels.
- Mathematical models accurately describe the sorption kinetics and equilibrium of Cr(III) onto eggshells.