N-Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide-Modified Zeolite Na-A from Waste Fly Ash for Hexavalent Chromium Removal from Industrial Effluent

Chromium ions released into aquatic environments pose major environmental risks, particularly in developing countries. Here, a low-cost N-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified fly ash-based zeolite Na-A (CTAB@FZA) was prepared for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with Cr(VI). CTAB@FZA evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that CTAB intercalation coating modified were successful. The effects influencing variables on removal Cr(VI) also evaluated, including pH, initial concentration, time, temperature, coexisting ions. Fast adsorption equilibrium observed after less than 10 min, had maximum capacity 108.76 mg/g substantially greater pristine FZA following modification. Furthermore, isothermal kinetic data demonstrated adsorbed onto homogeneous surfaces via rate-limiting monolayer Langmuir adsorption, according to thermodynamic data, sorption targeted pollutant exothermic spontaneous. application yielded concentrations below USEPA standards. Overall, findings is an effective, promising, economical adsorbent Cr(VI)-polluted water.