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Significance of co-immobilized activated carbon and Bacillus subtilis on removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions

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Abstract

Batch sorption system using co-immobilized (activated carbon and Bacillus subtilis) beads as adsorbent was investigated to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the functional groups of both bacteria and activated carbon in co-immobilized beads. Experiments were carried out as a function of contact time (5–300 min), initial metal concentration (50–200 mg L−1), pH (2–8), and adsorbent dose (0.2–1 g L−1). The maximum percentage of removal was found to be 99 %. Langmuir model showed satisfactory fit to the equilibrium adsorption data of co-immobilized beads. The kinetics of the adsorption followed pseudo-second-order rate expression, which demonstrates that chemisorption plays a significant role in the adsorption mechanism. The significant shift in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peaks and a Cr peak in the scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectroscopy spectra further confirmed the adsorption. The results indicate that co-immobilized beads can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Science, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, 641014, Tamil Nadu, India

    C. Sukumar, G. Gowthami, R. Nitya & K. Shanthi

  2. Department of Chemistry, Periyar University, Salem, 636011, Tamil Nadu, India

    V. Janaki

  3. Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 570752, South Korea

    Seralathan Kamala-Kannan

Authors
  1. C. Sukumar
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  2. G. Gowthami
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  3. R. Nitya
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  4. V. Janaki
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  5. Seralathan Kamala-Kannan
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  6. K. Shanthi
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Correspondence to Seralathan Kamala-Kannan or K. Shanthi.

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Sukumar, C., Gowthami, G., Nitya, R. et al. Significance of co-immobilized activated carbon and Bacillus subtilis on removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Environ Earth Sci 72, 839–847 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-3007-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-3007-6

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