Design and develop a prototype fixed column using bacterial cellulose and ferric chloride for Cr(VI) removal

Aquatic ecosystems worldwide are experiencing a decline in their ecosystem services, primarily attributable to the irresponsible discharge of heavy metals, including chromium (VI) in some cases. This heavy metal bioaccumulates, harming the survival of aquatic organisms essential to human life. One potential solution to this problem is to treat effluents containing these heavy metals before they reach rivers and wetlands. An effective and easily implemented treatment method involves the use of fixed-column continuous-flow systems. Fixed columns can be constructed using biomass that adsorbs heavy metals, such as bacterial cellulose, a polysaccharide with 100% purity. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of the material could be enhanced by using Ferric chloride, while EDTA has been shown to prolong the duration of adsorption cycles. Therefore, the objective was to design and develop a prototype fixed column using bacterial cellulose and Ferric chloride for Cr(VI) removal. Various Cr(VI) adsorption processes were analyzed, and a pilot system was developed using bacterial cellulose and three different concentrations of Ferric chloride. After six adsorption cycles, it was determined that the ideal treatment mixture would have a concentration of 85% bacterial cellulose and 15% Ferric chloride, achieving an adsorption capacity of 456 mg/g. This treatment system would provide a practical solution for reducing the impacts of Cr(VI) on aquatic ecosystems.