Fixed Bed Column Study for Removal of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution by Using Saw Dust(GMELINA ARBOREA)

Abstract

The study on performance of low-cost adsorbent such as saw dust of Gmelina arborea (Ghambhari tree) in the removal of Chromium (VI) ion from aqueous solution is performed. The
adsorbent material adopted was found to be an efficient media for removal of Chromium (VI)ion in continuous mode using fixed bed column. A comparative study has also been done on the adsorption capacity of saw dust of different mesh sizes. The column studies were conducted with
a fixed column of diameter 7cms and a bed height of 50cms. The flow rate of solution passing through the adsorbent bed was maintained at a fixed value of 1litre/min. It was found that the metal uptake capacity (amount of removal) of Chromium (VI) ion decreased but the adsorption
capacity (percentage of removal) increased with the decrease in the concentration of chromium (VI) in the initial sample solution. It was also observed that the order of metal uptake capacity & adsorption capacity of saw dust of different ISS mesh size for removal of Chromium (VI) removal was as follows: (-30 +10) > (-50 +30) > (-70 +50) .