International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

Abstract—In this research, palm kernel powder (PKP) was utilized as a bioadsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Batch studies were preformed to evaluate the effect of various experimental parameters on Cr(VI) and Cu(II) adsorption onto PKP. The adsorption equilibrium was reached after 70 min. The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) was pH-dependent showing a maximum at equilibrium pH 2 and 5, respectively. The percentage removal of heavy metals by PKP varied in order unmodified adsorbents>HNO3>H3PO4. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) were also investigated using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models and pseudo-first order (LSO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic models. The data was better described by Freundlich adsorption isotherm model and PSO kinetics in the concentration range studied. For environmental study, it was found that the adsorption capacity for heavy metals decreased in the raw waste water sample in comparison with the synthetic waste water system.

Index Terms—Biosorption, chromium, copper, kinetics, palm kernel powder.

Ragwan Mohamed and Mohamed Erhayem are with Chemistry Department, University Sirte, Sirte, Libya (e-mail: ragwan3000@yahoo.com, irhim2002@yahoo.co.uk).
Alaa Mustafa is with the Department of Environmental Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

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Cite: Ragwan Mohamed, Alaa Mustafa, and Mohamed Erhayem, "Biosorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) by Palm Kernel Powder and Its Potential Application," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 7, no. 11, pp. 788-792, 2016.