Adsorption Studies of Hexavalent Chromium removal from aqueous solution using Helianthus Annuus

Abstract

Adsorption studies of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) removal are particularly important due to the severe environmental and health concerns associated with this toxic form of chromium. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen and can contaminate water sources through industrial discharges and other human activities. Sunflower cob, an agricultural waste material abundant in cellulose and lignocellulosic components, is utilized as a precursor for activated carbon synthesis. The activated carbon is prepared via a straightforward activation process involving chemical activation with Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Batch adsorption experiments are supported to assess the adsorption efficiency of the sunflower cob-derived activated carbon for Cr (VI) mitigation. The effects of multiple variables, including adsorbent dosage, pH of the solution, and contact time are systematically studied. The results indicated that the activated carbon evolved from sunflower cob exhibited commendable adsorption capacity for hexavalent chromium removal. Maximum adsorption is reported in an acidic environment with different Impregnation ratios (I.R) -0.25, 0.5, 0.75 with removal efficiency of 98.6%, 98.8%, and 98.8% respectively at pH 1.25.