Effective Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Polluted Water using Phoenix sylvestris Seed Powder as Adsorbent

Abstract

Phoenix sylvestris seed powder (PSSP) was investigated as an adsorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) ions from water using batch extraction method. The conditions for the maximum extraction were optimized. The adsorption capacity was found to be 22.5 mg/g at pH= 2, contact time: 60 min, PSSP dosage: 0.40 g/500mL, rpm: 300 and temp.: 28 ± 2 ºC and found to be more suitable adsorbant than compared to other reported adsorbents in the literature. Co-ions even in five-fold excess were less interfered. Regeneration studies revealed that Phoenix sylvestris seed powder can be used up to three cycles. The method developed was successfully applied to polluted water/industrial effluents samples.