Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution using Psidium guajava leaves as green adsorbent: column studies

Abstract

This paper deals with the experimental investigation of the removal of the toxic Cr(VI) ions using a low-cost waste biomaterials Psidium guajava leaves as the adsorbent in continuous column mode. The influence of process parameters like bed depth, the rate of flow, and influent concentration on the removal was investigated to determine the adsorption characteristics by this adsorbent. The capacity of the adsorbent for metal uptake was decreased with the increase in bed depth from 4.07 to 2.89 mg g−1, but it was increased with the rise in flow rate from 2.94 to 8.72 mg g−1. The data obtained from the experiment were fitted good with Thomas model. The major functional groups were identified from the FTIR study which was responsible for the adsorption. The guava leaves are suitable for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution.