Eco-benign preparation of biosorbent using Momordica Charantia for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater

Environmental pollution is the major issue of 21(st) century. The toxic industrial effluents are crucially damaging aquatic environment, in the form of heavy metals, dyes and acids. The heavy metals are toxic, carcinogenic, non-degradable and therefore must be removed to save natural environment and human health. Batch sorption efficiency of Momordica Charantia L. stem and root (MCS and MCR) was studied for Cr(VI) metal ions removal under controlled adsorption parameters. The adsorbed and residual concentration of Cr(VI) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorbent surface morphology was determined by FTIR, BET, SEM and elemental analysis by EDX. The Freundlich and Langmuir equilibrium isotherm and pseudo 1st and 2nd order kinetic models were studied to understand bio-sorption mechanism. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo 2nd order kinetic was best fitted model for MCS and MCR bio-sorption process. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity (q (max)) was 312.50 and 400 (mg/g) for MCS and MCR respectively. The trend of removal efficiency (%) and metal uptake (q (e)) was in order as MCS > MCR. All data was statistically analyzed using mean values +/- standard deviation (SD). In conclusion, MCS and MCR are suggested as excellent sorbents for the elimination of numerous contaminants from the wastewater.