Removal of Cr(VI) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles: Kinetic and Equilibrium Study

Background & Aims of the Study: Heavy metals are the most important and main pollutants because of their accumulation and high toxicity even at very low dose and cause serious hazards to ecological system as well as human health. Thus, their removal has been challenged from drinking water and industrial waters with different technologies. The purpose of this work is to investigate the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Materials & Methods: NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared by the co-precipitation method and then applied for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions from water. Characterization of nanoparticles was carried out via TEM, EDX, XRD and BET analysis. Various physico-chemical parameters like the effect of contact time, pH and adsorbent dose were studied, using batch process to optimize conditions for maximum adsorption. Results: The results demonstrated that the size of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was about 12 nm and had selectivity for Cr(VI) adsorption. Also, adsorption process was found to be fast with equilibrium time of 55 min. Optimum pH was found to be 3. Maximum adsorption capacity (qm) as calculated from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 294.1 mg g-1. Analysis of adsorption kinetics indicated better applicability of pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Conclusions: The results of this study represented that the synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles could be useful for the simultaneous removal of anionic ions from wastewaters.