Removal of Chromium (VI) in Aqueous Solution by Charcoal Adsorbent derived PET Plastic Waste

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the potential of charcoal and activated charcoal derived Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as adsorbent through the experiment of chromium hexavalent [Cr (VI)] removal from aqueous solution. The study aims to investigate the optimum adsorption conditions for Cr (VI) removal in aqueous solution under diverse adsorption operating conditions, namely pH, contact time, agitation speed, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration. The diameter of the charcoal produced was 600 μm. The results showed that 80 % and 90 % of Cr (VI) removal were achieved by using charcoal and activated charcoal, respectively, at pH 5, 150 rpm, 60 min of contact time, 0.5 g of adsorbent dosage, and 0.1 mg/L of Cr (VI) initial concentration. The removal of Cr (VI) was mainly affected by adsorption operating conditions and the physicochemical properties of adsorbents. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were applied to model the adsorption behaviour and determine the adsorption capacity of both PET charcoal adsorbents. The adsorption isotherm plot was well fitted with the Langmuir model.