Elimination of Chromium (VI) and Nickel (II) Ions in a Packed Column Using Oil Palm Bagasse and Yam Peels

Abstract

The single-component adsorption of chromium (VI) and nickel (II) on oil palm bagasse (OPB) and yam peels (YP) in a packed bed column was explored and improved using a central 22-star T composite design. The temperature, bed height, and particle size were evaluated, and the optimized response variable was the removal efficiency. The remaining concentration of heavy metals in solution was determined by Ultraviolet–Visible and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. It was found that bioadsorbents have a porous structure, with the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino, which favor adsorption processes, and that the adsorption mechanisms controlling the process is cation exchange, precipitation, and complexation on the exposed surface of the biomaterials. In the adsorption trials, removal percentages higher than 87% were obtained in all cases, showing better results in the removal of Cr(VI), and that particle size is the most influential factor. Maximum Cr(VI) capacities of 111.45 mg g−1 and 50.12 mg g−1 were achieved on OPB and YP, respectively, while for nickel values of 103.49 mg g−1 and 30.04 mg g−1 were obtained. From the adjustment of the breakthrough curve to the models, it was determined that the model best able to adjust the data was the Thomas model, and the thermodynamic parameters of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) removal suggest that the process on YP is endothermic, while on OPB it is exothermic. In both biomaterials, the process is controlled by spontaneous chemisorption with a great affinity of the active centers for the ions.