Breakthrough analysis for hexavalent chromium removal from drinking water in a fixed bed column

The activated carbon of Eucalyptus globulus was tested for their effectiveness in removing hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using column experiments. Result revealed that adsorption of chromium(VI) on eucalyptus bark carbon was endothermic in nature. Thermodynamic parameters such as the entropy change, enthalpy change and Gibbs free energy change were found to be 1.39 kJ mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, 1.08 kJ mol⁻¹ and −3.85 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Different chromium concentrations were used for the fixed bed adsorption studies. The pre- and post-treated adsorbents were characterized using a FTIR spectroscopic technique. It was concluded that Eucalyptus bark carbon column could be used effectively for removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution at optimal column conditions. This study showed that this biological material is potential adsorbent of Cr(VI) from water.