Adsorption of chromium (III) ion on biosorbents prepared from Leucaena leucocephala tree

Abstract

Biosorbents (fiber, treated fiber, and charcoal) from the Leucaena leucocephala tree were prepared in this study. The potential of the biosorbents as metal capture (removal percentage %R) for chromium (III) (Cr+3) from aqueous solution was examined. The concentrations of the Cr+3 solutions were measured before and after the adsorption to investigate the %R using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Moreover, the specific surface area (A) of the biosorbent samples was evaluated after measuring the adsorbed acetic acid onto the samples. From the results, A and %R were found in the order of charcoal > treated fiber > fiber. The highest values of A and %R were about 423 m2g-1 and 97%, respectively. This finding suggested the high potential of Leucaena charcoal usage as chromium ions capture compared to fibers and treated fibers.