Chromium (III) sorption from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from cashew nut shells

Abstract

Activated carbon prepared from cashew nut shells using potassium hydroxide activation at 850°C in N2and CO2atmosphere was used as an adsorbent for the removal of chromium ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption of Cr(III) ions on activated carbon was studied. The effect of experimental parameters such as, pH of initial concentration of Cr(III) solutions, contact time, dosage of adsorbent and initial concentration of Cr(III) solutions was investigated. The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm fitted well to data of Cr(III) adsorption. Cr(III) uptake capacity was 13.93 mg/g which was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm. © 2009 Academic Journals.