Removal of hexavalent chromium by an aromatic alcohol

Abstract

Cr(VI) is a widespread environmental contaminant and a known human carcinogen. Biosorption is a very common method to remove toxic Cr(VI) from industrial waste water. In biosorption Cr(VI) is reduced to less toxic Cr(III) and adsorbed in biosorbent as Cr(III). Effective biosorbents contain hydroxy groups; it may be aliphatic or aromatic. Kinetics of reduction of Cr(VI) by an aromatic alcohol, benzyl alcohol, (which is an important volatile component of flowers of some night blooming plants) in micellar media have been studied spectrophotometrically. Micellar media is a probe to establish the mechanistic paths of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Effects of electrolytes are studied to support the proposed reaction mechanism. Suitable surfactant & suitable concentration of electrolyte enhance the biosorption property.