Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions using Argania spinosa leaves

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of novel powdered leaves of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa (L) Skeels) to remove Cr(VI) ions from artificially contaminated aqueous solutions. The evaluation was done by studying the effect of pH, adsorbent amount, time and initial metal concentration. The adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) analysis. The experimental results show that the optimum conditions for maximum removal Cr(VI) ions were accomplished by applying pH 2, a dose of 1 g and contact time of 20 min. The maximum removal capacity of Argania spinosa leaves was found to be 9.09 mg/g. Kinetic and equilibrium data showed that the adsorption process of chromium follows pseudo second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isothermal model was found to better describe the adsorption process. The study implied that Argania spinosa leaves could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution.