Heavy metals removal from wastewaters using organic solid waste-rice husk

In this study, the removal of Cr(III) and Cu(II) from contaminated wastewaters by rice husk, as an organic solid waste, was investigated. Experiments were performed to investigate the influence of wastewater initial concentration, pH of solution, and contact time on the efficiency of Cr(III) and Cu(II) removal. The results indicated that the maximum removal of Cr(III) and Cu(II) occurred at pH 5-6 by rice husk and removal rate increased by increased pH from 1 to 6. It could be concluded that the removal efficiency was enhanced by increasing wastewater initial concentration in the first percentage of adsorption and then decreased due to saturation of rice husk particles. Also according to achieved results, calculated saturation capacity in per gram rice husk for Cr(III) and Cu(II) were 30 and 22.5 mg g(-1), respectively. The amounts of Cr(III) and Cu(II) adsorbed increased with increase in their contact time. The rate of reaction was fast. So that 15-20 min after the start of the reaction, between 50 and 60 % of metal ions were removed. Finally, contact time of 60 min as the optimum contact time was proposed.