Studies on adsorption behaviour of Cr(VI) onto synthetic hydrous stannic oxide

Abstract

Hydrous stannic oxide (HSO) was synthesized in the laboratory and its systematic Cr (VI) adsorption behaviour was studied by means of batch experiments. The particle size of HSO used was in the range of 140 to 290µm. The variable parameters viz. the effects of pH, concentration of Cr (VI) and time of contact etc. are here reported. The optimum pH and time of contact required for maximum adsorption was found to be 2.0 and nearly 90 min, respectively. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data are tested for the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Redlich-Peterson equations. Results indicate the following order to fit the isotherms equations: Redlich- Peterson > Temkin > Freundlich > Langmuir. Different kinetic models have been applied to fit the experimental kinetic data. The results are compared, and indicated that the best fit is obtained with the Lagergren or pseudo first-order and the power-function models. A discussion on the adsorption mechanism with respect to the thermodynamic parameters leads to two possible interpretations: One is the exothermic nature of the adsorption process and the other is the ion-ion type electrostatic interaction between the adsorbent and adsorbate ion.

Keywords: Cr (VI), adsorption mechanism, hydrous stannic oxide(HSO), isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamic parameters

Water SA Vol. 31(4) 2005: 597-602