Application of response surface methodology for adsorption of Cr(VI) from wastewater streams by chitosan

283-290The performance of chitosan as an adsorbent in the removal of chromium ion (Cr(VI)) from wastewater in batch and continuous modes has been investigated. The column performance of Cr(VI) adsorption onto chitosan has been studied at different bed height (3-9 cm) and flow rate (50-200 mL/min). The column has been designed based on the break through curves. Initially, adsorption tests of Cr(VI) on chitosan have been carried out in batch modes. The effects of pH, chitosan concentration, Cr(VI) concentration, contact time and shaking speed on the removal of Cr(VI) from synthetic and industrial wastewater have been studied. The highest adsorption capacity of 99.2% has been observed in the recycle column<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">. An ideal experimental design has been carried out based on central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) using the design expert software 8.0.6.1 to evaluate the effect of the different parameters on Cr (VI) adsorption capacity in batch mode and continuous mode. A multiple response method is applied for optimization of process parameters.