Abstract
Water pollution with toxic heavy metals due to industrial wastewater discharge is a global environmental issue. The removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents is a significant concern in the field of water pollution and a serious challenge in reducing water quality. Multiple metals such as nickel, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc are notably toxic. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of pomegranate peel as a cost-effective adsorbent in removing nickel and chromium metals.
Pomegranate peels were initially treated with a 0.1 N sulfuric acid solution, and their adsorption capacity was examined. The effect of sulfuric acid on the adsorbent was assessed using CHN, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The results indicated that the modification of the adsorbent with sulfuric acid was effective in removing chromium and nickel ions from industrial wastewater. Adsorption experiments were carried out at various adsorbent concentrations, times, temperatures, and pH levels. Data analysis revealed that the optimal conditions for nickel ions (II) are a concentration of 4.5 g/L of the adsorbent, pH 6, a temperature of 308.15 K, and a time of 60 minutes. The optimal conditions for chromium ions (VI) are a concentration of 4 g/L of the adsorbent, pH 5.5, a temperature of 300.65 K, and a time of 100 minutes.
The research conducted and the results obtained suggest that, considering the potential benefits, the use of this adsorbent for the removal of nickel and chromium in industrial wastewater is a promising and environmentally friendly approach.
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