Zirconium-alginate beads doped with H2SO4-activated carbon derived from leaves of Magnoliaceae plant as an effective adsorbent for the removal of chromate

H2SO4-activated carbon generated from the leaves of Magnoliaceae plant-(SACM) is doped in zirconium alginate beads-(SACM@Zr). The active carbon and beads are identified to have affinity for toxic chromate ions and hence studied as adsorbents for chromium remediation of water. The sorbents are characterized using conventional methods including FTIR, FESEM and EDX techniques. The sorption nature is investigated and optimized with respect to initial chromium concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and temperature. The adsorption capacities are 28.82 mg/g for active carbon and 37.74 mg/g for beads. Thermodynamic parameters are analyzed. Negative values of Delta G(circle) and positive values of Delta H-circle and Delta S degrees indicate that the chromium adsorption 'onto' the adsorbents is spontaneous, endothermic and more disorder prevails at solution/solid interface. Langmuir adsorption isotherms and pseudo second-order kinetics are best models for explaining adsorption process. The adsorbents are successfully applied to treat chromium polluted effluents from Ethiopia Tannery Companies and polluted waters of Leyole and Worka rivers around Kombolcha, located in the north-central part of Ethiopia.