Optimization of process parameters for adsorption of chromium (VI) from tie and dye industry waste water using banana peels activated carbon: response surface methodology approach.

Abstract

Topical researches have related the use of synthetic adsorbent for treatment of waste water with some neurotoxic and neurodegenerative diseases.  With reference to this, the current study focused on the use of an agricultural by product and eco – friendly natural activated adsorbent, banana peels for the treatment of tie and dye industrial waste water. In a bid to obtain an optimum percentage amount of chromium (VI) adsorbed by the adsorbent and permissible level of chromium (VI) that should be discharged to environment, optimization of process variables affecting the adsorption of chromium (VI) was undertaken using a response surface methodology (RSM). Four parameters were carried out viz; mass of adsorbent, pH of solution, temperature and contact time and their effects on the adsorption of chromium (VI) on the tie and dye waste water were established. The obtained experimental data was fitted to a quadratic model that was also validated. The model predicted 95.496 % of chromium (VI) adsorbed with optimal conditions of 71.0 ^oC, 5.41, 76.58 minutes and 1.009 g for temperature, pH, contact time, and mass of adsorbent respectively.  These conditions were validated in triplicates with 96.5 % chromium (VI) adsorbed. The results acquired from this work can be applied to industrial scale for waste water treatment.