The feasibility of chrome shaving to remove Cr (III) from aqueous solutions

The feasibility of utilizing a solid waste from leather industry (chrome shaving) as an adsorbent for removal of chromium (III) from aqueous solutions was evaluated. Chrome shaving was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) prior to adsorption test in order to assess its surface morphology. Batch experiments were conducted to acquire the optimal treatment parameters. Datas show that adsorption capacity of chrome shaving increases with rise of pH from 2 to 6 and the maximum adsorption capacity is 8.42 mg chromium (III) per 1 g chrome shaving. The adsorption isotherm follows the Freundlich model well, suggesting an intraparticle diffusion process in the surface of the adsorbent. The removal of chromium (III) by chrome shaving from aqueous solution is a quasi-instantaneous process and attains equilibrium after 60 minutes. All demonstrate the potential for using chrome shaving as a low-cost alternative to the traditionally used adsorbent materials.