Removal of chromium (VI) from dilute aqueous solutions by activated carbon developed from Terminalia arjuna nuts activated with zinc chloride

Different structured activated carbons were prepared from Terminalia arjuna nuts, an agricultural waste, by chemical activation with zinc chloride for the adsorption of Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions. The most important parameter in chemical activation was found to be the chemical ratio (activating agent/precursor, g/g). Carbonization temperature and time are the other two important variables, which had significant effect on the pore structure of carbon. A high surface area of 1260m2/g was obtained at a chemical ratio of 300%, carbonization time and temperature of 1 h and 500 °C, respectively. The activated carbon developed shows substantial capability to adsorb Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions. The parameters studied include pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentrations. The kinetic data were best fitted to the Lagergren pseudo-first-order model. The isotherm equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum removal of chromium was obtained at pH 1.0 (about 99% for adsorbent dose of 2 g/l and 10 mg/l initial concentration).