BIOSORPTION OF CHROMIUM(VI)IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING A BIOSORBENT PREPARED FROM CORN COB BIOMASS

ABSTRACT

This study explores the potential of corn cob powder for adsorption of Cr (VI) in aqueous solution. Effects of contact time, pH, particle size, contact time and Cr (VI) concentration were investigated. Maximum adsorption was observed at 25⁰C  under acidic condition of pH 2 with a contact time of 200 min. Upon treatment with citric acid,the values of maximum biosorption capacity for Cr(VI) was found to be 14.81 mg/g for corn cob biosorbent and 208.93 mg/g for biomass modified with citric acid. Based on this, the adsorbent can be used as a low cost alternative in biosorption of aqueous solution containing lower concentrations of Cr (VI).