Batch biosorption studies for the biosorption of chromium using cherry leaves (Muntingia calabura L.)

Abstract

Chromium is a heavy metal which is commonly used in many industries such aschemical, metallurgical and electroplating industries.The discharge of effluents from theseindustries constitutes one of the major causes of land and water pollution and degradation.Therefore, biosorption is a potential technique generally used for the removal of heavymetals from the solutions and recovery of precious metals. In the present study, batchbiosorption studies was conducted at different conditions such as varying pH (4, 5, 6),temperature (30, 40, 50°C), biomass concentration (0.5. 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 g) and initial metalconcentration (50, 100, 150, 200 mg/l) for the biosorption of chromium by cherry leaves. Fromthe experiments it was found that the biosorption efficiency increases with increasedtemperature and biomass concentration but decreased with increased pH and chromiumconcentration