Characterization & Batch Sorption Study for Chromium (VI) Removal fromAqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon Adsorbent Prepared from Indigenous Sugarcane Bagasse

Chromium being a carcinogenic element present in drinking water in the less developed areas in the poor countries contributes to many infectious diseases. The removal of chromium traces from water needs to have an easy and efficient way for poor countries. Concerning this, a low-cost industrial bio-adsorbent based on bagasse (the sugar industry waste) is prepared and characterized for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solutions. Preparation of the absorbent is performed by carbonization and steam activation of sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The FTIR spectra and the morphology of the adsorbent before and after Cr (VI) removal was studied using FTIR and SEM. All the experiments were carried out in a batch process with laboratory-prepared samples to study the effects of pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, shaking time and shaking speed. It was observed that the highest removal efficiency was achieved at pH=2, adsorbent dose=0.75 g, adsorbate concentration=60 mg/L, shaking speed=150 rpm, and shaking time=20 minutes. These results suggest that this bio-adsorbent can provide a simple, effective, and cheap method for removing Cr (VI) ions from effluents and water resources.