Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by two Lewatit-anion exchange resins

The sorption of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), from aqueous solutions on macroporous resins containing tertiary amine groups (Lewatit MP 62 and Lewatit M 610) was studied at varying Cr(VI) concentrations, adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and temperatures. The concentration of chromium in aqueous solution was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-AES). Batch shaking sorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of Lewatit MP 62 and Lewatit M 610 anion exchange resins in the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The ion-exchange process, which is pH dependent, shows maximum removal of Cr(VI) in the pH range 2-6 for an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 100 ppm. The sorption increases with the decrease in pH and slightly decreases with the increase in temperature. Both ion exchangers had high bonding constants with Lewatit M 610 showing stronger binding. It was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of 0.40 mmol of Cr(VI)/g for Lewatit MP 62 and 0.41 mmol of Cr(VI)/g for Lewatit M 610 was achieved at pH of 5.0. The thermodynamic parameters (free energy change, ΔG°; enthalpy change, ΔS°; and entropy change, ΔH°) for the sorption have been evaluated. The rise in temperature caused a slight decrease in the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc) for the sorption of Cr(VI) ion. The sorption of Cr(VI) on the resin was rapid during the first 15 min and equilibrium was found to be attained within 30 min. The sorption of Cr(VI) onto the resins followed reversible first-order rate kinetics. Such ion exchange resins can be used for the efficient removal of chromium from water and wastewater.