Removal of Cr (VI) from Aqueous Solution Using Activated Charcoal

The use of activated charcoal as treatment material for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution was investigated. Maximum adsorption of Cr (VI) was achieved under acidic pH (pH=4) after a contact time of approximately 120 minutes. The activated charcoal was treated in order to vary the pH from acid to base so that its influence on the removal of the metal ions could be investigated. In order to study possible structural changes of the treatment material (activated charcoal), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS molecular adsorption spectrometer, before and after adsorption of Cr (VI) was investigated in detail to validate the adsorption of the heavy metal. Detailed investigation included the effects of initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, pH of solution for the adsorption process and the evaluation of optimum conditions required for a high yield of Cr (VI) removal. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was applied to analyse the adsorption data. The results show that activated charcoal was found effective for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. The purpose of the study was to determine the capabilities for Cr (VI) removal of the activated charcoal and the influence that pH values have over the treatment efficiency in order to obtain the best conditions necessary for water treatment.