Kinetic, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic studies on the removal of Cr(VI) by activated carbon prepared from Cajanus Cajan(L) Milsp seed shell

This paper presents the feasibility of the removal of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions by using activated carbon prepared from Cajanus Cajan(L) Milsp. It was carbonized and activated by treating it with concentrated sulfuric acid followed by heating for 5 h at 500°C. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of the adsorbate, adsorbent dosage and temperature. The experimental data fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° were calculated, which indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorbent used in this study was characterized by FT-IR and SEM before and after the adsorption of metal ions. The results indicate that Cajanus Cajan(L) Milsp can be employed as a low cost alternative and commercial adsorbents in the removal of chromium (VI) from water and waste water.