Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) from Wastewater Using Amide-Modified Biochar

Abstract

The utilization of biochar, derived from agricultural waste, has garnered attention as a valuable material for enhancing soil properties and serving as a substitute adsorbent for the elimination of hazardous heavy metals and organic contaminants from wastewater. In the present investigation, amide-modified biochar was synthesized via low-temperature pyrolysis of rice husk and was harnessed for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The resultant biochar was treated with 1-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] urea to incorporate an amide group. The amide-modified biochar was characterized by employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. During batch experiments, the effect of various parameters, such as adsorbent dosage, metal concentration, time duration, and pH, on Cr(VI) removal was investigated. The optimal conditions for achieving maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) were observed at a pH 2, an adsorbent time of 60 min, an adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L, and a metal concentration of 100 mg/L. The percent removal efficiency of 97% was recorded for the removal of Cr(VI) under optimal conditions using amide-modified biochar. Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherm models were utilized to calculate the adsorption data and determine the optimal fitting model. It was found that the adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model. A kinetics study revealed that the Cr(VI) adsorption onto ABC followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The findings of this study indicate that amide-functionalized biochar has the potential to serve as an economically viable substitute adsorbent for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.