Adsorption of Chromium (VI) from Wastewater by Anion Exchange Resin

Strong anion exchange resin (Spectra/Gel IE 1x8) has been investigated as adsorbent for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) ions from synthetic wastewater solutions. Batch experiments were conducted with initial Cr(VI) ions concentration ranging from 25-300 mg/L. Different parameters influencing Cr(VI) adsorption process such as; solution pH, Cr(VI) and adsorbent concentration and contact time were investigated. Results obtained revealed that Cr(VI) was successfully retained by the resin. Equilibrium was established within 30 minutes for initial Cr(VI) concentration up to100 mg/L. The equilibrium data for adsorption of Cr(VI) was fitted with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, however, Langmuir isotherm model was found to be more suitable for the Cr(VI) adsorption and maximum adsorption capacity of the Cr(VI) was found to be 173.8 mg/g. The adsorption process followed second order kinetics. The resin was regenerated by using 4M NaOH as an eluent and retained Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency higher than 83% after three regeneration cycles