Comparing the efficacy of a novel waste-based adsorbent with PAC for the simultaneous removal of chromium (VI) and cyanide from electroplating wastewater

The potential of powdered pistachio hull (PHP) for the co-adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide from electroplating wastewater was compared to that of powdered activated carbon (PAC). The results of dynamic adsorption experiments indicated that the complete and simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and cyanide from wastewater was achieved with 2 g/L of PHP after 60 min of contact. Alternatively, with PAC, 69.2 and 77.8% of Cr(VI) and cyanide, respectively, were removed under the same conditions. Adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide by PHP and PAC followed pseudo-second order kinetics, and the equilibrium adsorption data best fit the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum capacity of PHP for the co-adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide was 117.6 and 151.5 mg/g, respectively, and the maximum capacity of PAC for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide was 47.6 and 39.4 mg/g, respectively. It was found that which intraparticle diffusion controlled the adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide onto PHP and PAC under the selected conditions. Overall, PHP efficiently adsorbed Cr(VI) and cyanide from industrial effluents; thus, PHP is an affordable and cost-effective system for the treatment of wastewater.

► Evaluating the performance of PHP for co-adsorption of Cr(VI) and cyanide.
► Comparing the adsorption efficacy of PHP with the conventional activated carbon.
► Developing a novel technique using wastes for the treatment of industrial wastewaters.