Column Method: An Analytical Approach for the Removal of Chromium by Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are being intensively investigated because of their unique optical, electrical and catalytic properties which make them a potential material for utilization in the field of medicine electronic and environmental issues. This paper is concerned with the removing a heavy metal, Chromium, from its aqueous solution by Iron oxide nanoparticle filtration. Solutions of varying chromium concentrations (50-250ppm) were prepared and passed through a column of Iron oxide nanoparticle. Effluent samples collected at different column depths were analyzed for the concentration of Chromium ions using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The injection rate and pH of the influent solution were also varied to study their effects on the Chromium removal efficiency by Iron oxide nanoparticle. A series of curves were constructed to determine the capacity of Iron oxide nanoparticle column at various depths. The removal efficiency was found to be in the range 99-100%. These high removal efficiencies were likely attributed to the strong affinity of chromium ions to the surface of Iron oxide nanoparticle particles. It can be concluded that due to their relatively high adsorption capability, Iron oxide nanoparticle has the potential to be utilized for the removal of heavy metals from water and waste water.