Effect of Process Parameters on the Adsorption of Chromium VI on a Packed Bed Column (PBC) using Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

The objective of this study is to evaluate the different process parameters on adsorption of chromium VI on a packed bed column using Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) and to examine the effect of pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) at a constant contact time of 10 minutes at a temperature of 40 ºC under two experimental conditions namely, tannery effluent with and without microwave treatment. The results revealed that microwave heating process had a higher impact on chromium (VI) adsorption than normal heating process. The pH values of microwave treated sample were found to be 6.65±0.65 when compared to normal heated sample where the pH was 4.62±0.72 when compared to the initial pH of effluent found to be 3.47±0.58. Further, a threefold reduction in BOD and COD values was observed in microwave treated vetiver sample which was around 86.73±1.43 and 107.90±2.82 mg/l respectively when compared to normal heated sample (250±1.45 and 200±2.65 mg/l respectively) and untreated effluent (780±2.53 and 920±3.86 mg/l respectively) which indicated the reduction of chromium VI present in the effluent water. It was also observed that the metal adsorption capacity of the vetiver powder and the adsorption characteristics were positively correlated with the FTIR and SEM analysis which confirmed the presence of chromium (VI) on the surface of vetiver.

Batch and Packed Bed Column Study for the Removal of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) Using Agro-Industrial Wastes

The objective of this study was to prepare bio adsorbents from agro-industrial wastes from yam starch (YSR) and plantain (PSR) production for its use in the removal of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in aqueous solution in batch and continuous packed-bed column systems. Bromatological analysis showed that the biomaterials are rich in cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and SEM micrographs that evidence a mesoporous structure characteristic of materials of lignocellulosic origin. FTIR evidenced functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and methyl, possibly involved in the uptake of metal ions. EDS and FTIR analysis after adsorption confirmed that the retention of the metals on the surface of the adsorbent materials was successful. Cr (VI) and Ni (II) removal efficiencies above 80% were achieved using YSR and PSR in batch systems at the different conditions evaluated. The optimum conditions for removing Ni (II) on PSR were a bed height of 11.4 cm and a temperature of 33 °C, while for YSR, they were: 43 °C and 9 cm for temperature and bed height respectively. The variable with the most significant influence on the removal of Cr (VI) in a batch system on the two bio adsorbents was temperature. In contrast, the adsorbent dose and temperature are relevant factors for PSR Ni (II) removal. Therefore, the residues from the preparation of yam and plantain starch have high potential for removing heavy metals from wastewater and are presented as an alternative for their final disposal.

Continuous biosorption of acid red 27 azo dye by Eichhornia crassipes leaves in a packed-bed column

In this work, the biosorption behavior of acid red 27 (AR27) dye using Eichhornia crassipes leaves (LECs) in a packed-bed column was investigated by varying relevant operational parameters and assessment of mathematical models. Results showed that the zero-charge point of LECs was 2.37 and that optima pH and volumetric flux of the influent solution for AR27 biosorption were 2.0 and $$56.5\ \hbox {L}/\hbox {m}^{2}\cdot \hbox {h}$$ 56.5 L / m 2 · h , respectively. The maximum specific and volumetric biosorption capacities were observed at influent AR27 concentrations and with LEC bed heights ranging between 50 and 400 mg/L and 2 and 8 cm, respectively. It was also found that if LEC bed height was increased and volumetric flux and AR27 concentration of the influent solution decreased, service and saturation time increased. Modeling results revealed that the Thomas, bed depth service time, Yoon–Nelson, dose-response, and logistic models accurately described the dynamic performance of the packed-bed column in terms of pH, AR27 concentration, and volumetric flux of influent AR27 solution, as well as that of LEC bed height. The findings revealed that LECs exhibited remarkable potential for the biosorption of AR27 from aqueous solutions in a packed-bed column and could potentially be useful for the treatment of AR27-laden wastewater.

Water from Air: Desiccant System Design and Simulation

Air water generators that harvest water from air humidity have the potential to counter the ever-rising problem of drinking water scarcity. There are many different types of air water generation systems that work on various different principles. Desiccant based air water generation systems work on the principle of moisture absorption, consisting of a packed bed dehumidifier that absorbs the moisture from air. This reduces the energy requirement of the system. To discuss the efficiency of the system, it is crucial to understand the working of the packed bed column. In this paper, a mathematical model has been developed for a packed bed dehumidification system using aqueous CaCl2 as the liquid desiccant. This model has been developed using water saturation pressure and equilibrium relative humidity models. The packed bed model has been used to study the effect of various input parameters like air and desiccant flow rate, packing material, relative humidity and desiccant concentration, on the capacity of the desiccant to absorb water from air. The results so obtained can be used to predict the water that can be absorbed by the desiccant in the packed bed column for given inlet conditions.