Removal of Chromium (VI) from Synthetic Wastewater by Using Cellulose Adsorbent

Natural processes and industrial activities can cause chromium to enter water resources. Chromium in water enters food chain and causes diseases like cancer, skin dermatitis, and other health problems. In this work, cellulose adsorbent, Kraft paper, was used to remove chromium (VI) from water. The ash of the cellulose adsorbent was 2%, and its specific surface area was 3.6 m2/g according to the BJH isotherm adsorption branch. Cellulose adsorbent was also characterized by FTIR, SEM, and EDX methods. The effects of pH were investigated in Cr(VI) adsorption and showed that with the increase in pH of the solution, Cr (VI) removal was decreased.The adsorption isotherm was corresponded to the Langmuir model.The kinetic data was in agreement with the pseudo first order model.The thermodynamic studies showed that Cr (VI) adsorption on the cellulose adsorbent was endothermic and spontaneous. The cellulose adsorbent, Kraft paper, in powder and sheet forms can remove Cr (VI) from water solutions. In the operating conditions of pH 2, powdery adsorbent dose 3 g in 50 mL of chromium solution with the concentration of 10 mg/L in 25 °C after 2 h, 99.16% chromium (VI) removal yield was obtained.