Study of the Chromium VI Adsorption by the Employment of a Biocomposite Based on Rice Husk and Chitosan

Abstract

This current work has focused on the evaluation of the hexavalent chromium – Cr (VI) adsorption carried out by a biocomposite based on rice husk and chitosan. The chromium IV is an agro industrial contaminant residual while chitosan is a natural biopolymer with a great adsorption of heavy metals. Conditions for the biosorption such as concentrations of rice husk and Cr (VI) alongside the contact time, were identified in order to achieve the highest biosorpion of the heavy metal – Cr (VI). The morphology of rice husk, carried out in a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), showed a porous surface which can allow the adherence of chitosan. Different concentrations of rice husk (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 ) were used for the synthesis of the biopolymer. Furthermore, the capacity of Cr (VI) adsorption of the biocomposite based on rice husk and chitosan was evaluated throughout the contact time, resulting in a 68.28 % of Cr (IV) removal at 120 minutes. Additionally, the results of the experimental design consistent with the adsorption kinetic designs are shown in this work.