Experimental Study on the Removal of Heavy Metal (Chromium) Using Treated Tamarind Shell and Tridax Procumbens

Abstract

Heavy metals, which are very toxic and poisonous, have become a significant concern in the environment.  The old methods used to remove such metals such as electro- dialysis, osmosis, etc. are not cost-effective as well as less accurate. So, there is a need for another alternative method. Adsorption is one such method. The research work presents the experimental analysis of the removal of heavy metals from natural adsorbents. The heavy metal removed is chromium. Tamarind peel and Tridax Procumbens were used as a natural adsorbent in this study, the adsorbent used is studied in two ways, treated and untreated to increase removal percentage from water. The tamarind peel is treated with hydrochloric acid oxalic acid. In this research work, synthetic water is used for the treatment. The study was carried out with different parameters as well such as varying the dosage and concentration of adsorbent used, by changing the pH of water, by changing the contact time(time at which the adsorbent and adsorbate kept together for the adsorption). The capacity and removal percentage of chromium (VI) was investigated in this research. The pH scale with the different samples used ranges between 2-2.5. The isotherm used are Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. In our research, it is concluded that Langmuir isotherm is better than Freundlich isotherm.