Removal of hexavalent chromium by an aromatic alcohol

Abstract

Cr(VI) is a widespread environmental contaminant and a known human carcinogen. Biosorption is a very common method to remove toxic Cr(VI) from industrial waste water. In biosorption Cr(VI) is re- duced to less toxic Cr(III) and adsorbed in biosor- bent as Cr(III). Effective biosorbents contain hydro- xy groups; it may be aliphatic or aromatic. Kinetics of reduction of Cr(VI) by an aromatic alcohol, benzyl alcohol, (which is an important volatile component of flowers of some night blooming plants) in micellar media have been studied spectrophotometrically. Micellar media is a probe to establish the mechanistic paths of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Effects of electrolytes are studied to support the proposed reac- tion mechanism. Suitable surfactant & suitable con- centration of electrolyte enhance the biosorption pro- perty.