Removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium from electroplating waste water using thiocarbamoyl chitosan

► Presence of the thiocarbamoyl group in a chitosan derivative used for the preparation for adsorption purpose. ► Presence of different adsorption sites (amino, hydroxyl and sulfur group). ► High adsorption capacities for removal of Cadmium and Cr(VI), ensured by the different adsorption sites. ► Applicable to both Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from electroplating waste water.