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Abstract

In this study, simple, nontoxic, eco-friendly and inexpensive adsorbents were investigated, namely cauliflower stalks and maize leaves powder for removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption of Cr (VI) was studied with respect to pH, temperature, biomass, agitation speed, contact time and initial concentration of chromium (VI) ions. Maximum biosorption was observed at pH 2.0 and at a temperature of 37 0 C. Increase in biomass was resulted in a decreased metal uptake. With an agitation speed of 130 rpm, equilibrium was attained within 2 h. Under optimum conditions, biosorption was enhanced with increasing concentrations of Cr (VI) ions. Maize leaves and cauliflower stalk powder displayed a specific uptake of Cr (VI) ions of 48.12 ± 1.2 mgg −1 and 43.05 ± 0.22 mgg −1 at 955 ppm, respectively at a concentration of 1000 ppm respectively. The adsorption data obtained also fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. Kinetics data was also studied by using both adsorbents and data was followed by Pseudo-second order.

Biography

Soumitra Marathe is pursuing the Integrated M.Sc. Biotechnology course at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, University of Pune, Maharashtra, India.