Biosorption of chromium from aqueous solution by Chaetomorpha antennina y

Abstract

Aim: Aquatic system poses a serious threat from industrial effluents having heavy metals and chromium due to its wide use in industry. It becomes a prime responsibility for removal of chromium ions from effluents before discharged into the aquatic body. Biosorption comes as an effective technology in the removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents. This study deals with biosorption of chromium from aqueous solution by Chaetomorpha antennina. Methodology: Biosorption of chromium was studied using microalgae Chaetomorpha antennina, as an adsorbent, which was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine the functional groups and the structural characteristics, respectively. Equilibrium and optimization studies for various parameters like pH (1-11), adsorbent dosage (0.2 – 1 g l-1), initial chromium concentration (10 Μg - 100 Μg ml-1) and agitation time (0 – 50 mins) were examined using batch process. Results: The maximum percent removal of chromium ions was found to be 83% at pH 1 at an adsorbent dosage of 1g at a contact time of 30 min, which showed maximum adsorption. Interpretation: Biosorption of chromium ions onto the surface of Chaetomorpha antennina, showed that biosorption was dependent on the equilibrium pH of the solution, biosorbent and contact time.