Evaluation of Batch Biosorption of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution by Chemically Modified Polyalthia longifolia Leaves

Abstract

Removal of toxic metals from surface water is a significant matter of concern. Biosorption is emerging as an economical and ecofriendly methodology for the removal of toxic chemicals from waste water. Optimization of operating conditions has a large impact on the efficiency of this process. Simple untreated and chemically modified Polyalthia longifolia leaves were used to study biosorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous media within various experimental conditions and their efficiency of biosorption were compared. The effects of different conditions, such as contact time of solution with biosorbent, temperature, pH, biosorbent dose and agitation speed for the removal of Cr (VI) were studied. It is found that acid treated Polyalthia longifolia leaves have greater biosorption capacity as compared to untreated and base treated leaves. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were also applied to evaluate maximum biosorption capacity of simple untreated and chemically modified Polyalthia longifolia leaves for Cr (VI). This research work is of great importance in regard of practical waste water treatment by biosorption.