Chromium Removal from Aqueous System and Industrial Wastewater by Agricultural Wastes

This study involved the development of formaldehyde-treated, deseeded sunflower head wastebased biosorbent (FSH) for the biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution and industrial wastewater. Batch-mode experiments were conducted to determine the kinetics, sorption isotherms, effect of pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, biosorbent dose, and contact time. The results demonstrated that FSH can sequester Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution. The maximum sorption occurred at pH = 2.0, biosorbent dose = 4.0g/L, concentration of 100mg/L at 25 degrees C at 180rpm after 2h contact time. The FSH had an adsorption capacity of 7.85mg/g for Cr(VI) removal at pH 2.0. The rate of adsorption was rapid, and equilibrium was attained within 2h. The equilibrium sorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, which was further confirmed by the chi-square test.