Wastewater Treatment by Adsorption - Chromium, Nitrates, Nitrites and Phenol

Chromium(Cr) is undoubtedly a hepatotoxic and carcinogenic metal derived from natural processes and evolution activities such as iron steel, electroplating, aircraft painting, textile manufacturing, cement and dies, and animal skin industries. Due to its harmful nature towards humans and aquatics, it is responsible for diseases related to different body parts like the eyes, respiratory tract, skin, vascular system, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to remove Chromium from waste matter to avoid environmental pollution and to recycle Chromium within the context of the long-term circular economy. Several ways are possible to take away the Chromium from binary compound solutions and industrial effluents. Phenol from the wastewater can be removed by various techniques including biodegradation, photo decomposition and adsorption. This paper presents removal of phenol from synthetic effluent using batch adsorption with leaf litters as new adsorbent. Effects of various parameters like adsorbent dose, pH, particle size on rate of adsorption have been studied and optimum parameters were identified. The present experimental results were compared with the already known conventional activated caron adsorption. Sustainable development of the mankind is the key objective of studies and investigations in science and technology. Chemical and allied industries consume lot of water and produce large amount of liquid effluent. This liquid effluent contaminates groundwater resources. The increasing population and its need for potable water calls for careful use of water. Efforts are being taken by governments and non-government organizations to promote use of water recycling systems. Recycling of domestic and industrial wastewater serves both the purposes. It decreases wastewater disposal problem and also to certain extent helps in decreasing fresh water requirement.