CTAB modified adsorbents for the elimination of Cr (VI) in real effluents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of different adsorbents modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in water from an industrial effluent. Ferric hydroxide (HF-SC), coconut shell activated carbon (CC-SC) and zeolite (ZC-SC) were evaluated. Adsorption tests were performed at pH 8.55 and analyzed using kinetic and isothermal models. The results showed that HF-SC presented the highest amount of Cr (VI) adsorbed (0.066 mg/g), followed by CC-SC (0.0021 mg/g) and ZC-SC (0.0017 mg/g). Modification with CTAB increased the positive surface charge of the adsorbents, favoring the electrostatic interaction with Cr (VI). It is concluded that HF-SC is the most efficient adsorbent under these conditions, highlighting the importance of optimizing the operating variables for its application in real effluents.