Biosorption of Chromium and Nickel from Aqueous Solution by Chicken Feather

Heavy metals and its compounds are toxic pollutants that have priority in the studies due to their potential harm to human health.

This study evaluated the potential of a chicken feather for the removal of nickel and chromium from aqueous solutions. The chicken feather was prepared from aviculture for nickel and chromium removal from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration on Ni and Cr removal were also evaluated in this study. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were used to characterize the biosorption of the mentioned metals onto the chicken feather.

Based on the findings, the maximum removal of metals was found in a contact time of 3 h, 1 g/L of adsorbent, pH 5 (for Ni) and 6 (for Cr), and concentration of 1 mg/l of metals. According to the Langmuir isotherms, the maximum biosorption capacities (qm) of Cr and Ni were 22.3 and 119.05 mg/g, respectively.

The results showed that chicken feathers can absorb chromium and nickel at low concentrations. However, the ability and possibility of the use of the chicken feather are limited for the treatment of contaminated wastewater at high concentrations.