Cr(VI) removal from wastewater using low cost sorbent materials:: Roots of Typha latifolia and ashes

This work presents conditions for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from aqueous solution using different sorbent materials, namely: pyrolytic ashes of an industrial sludge from wastewater treatment and roots of Typha latifolia. The sorbent materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface area using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique, before and after the contact with the chromium-containing aqueous media. An overall Cr(VI) concentration reduction of 45% was achieved using the roots of Typha latifolia whereas in the case of pyrolytic ashes a 60% removal was observed. The percentage removal was found to depend on the initial Cr(VI) concentration in aqueous solution, pH and temperature. The Cr(VI) uptake process was maximum at pH 2 and a temperature of 40 degreesC for both sorbents. These materials showed a Cr(VI) adsorption capacity that was adequately described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was demonstrated that the use of waste materials for the treatment of Cr(VI)-containing wastewater is an effective and economical alternative method.