Investigation into Hexavalent Chromium Removal by Using of Peganum harmala Powdered Seed from Aqueous Solution

Hexavalent chromium is one of the most important pollutants from industrial effluent. In attention to its dangerous and toxic characteristics, its removal by economical sufficient method is essential. This study was designed to evaluate of hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solutions as low cost adsorbent derived from peganum harmala powdered seed (PPS). After preparation of adsorbent, effects of various parameters such as: pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial concentration of chromium and agitation rate were investigated in batch system. Cr (VI) was determined by colorimetric using UV-VIS spectrophotometer (UV/VIS Spectrometer T80+). All chemical reagents were purchased from Merck Corporation. Finally, obtained data were analyzed by excel software. The results revealed that high Cr (VI) removal efficiency at pH of 1.5. Among various parameters, adsorbent dose, contact time and agitation rate have direct effect but initial concentration of chromium has reversible effect in removal efficiency. PPS adsorbed over 98.16% of chromium from solutions containing 100 mg/l of Cr (VI) at 300 rpm and by adding 10 gr of (PPS) in 1 liter, after 30 min of equilibrium. On the basis of present results PPS can be used as sufficient low cost adsorbent for hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solutions.