APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC BIOCHAR PRODUCED FROM ORANGE TREE SAWDUST AS AN ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF CR (VI) IN WATERY ENVIRONMENT

Abstract: In the present work, biochar was obtained from orange tree sawdust (OTS) and then it converted to magnetic form by a series treatment. This substance was applied as an ideal adsorbent for removal Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The novel magnetic biochar (MBⱷOTS) originated from OTS is likely to enhance the adsorption potential of Cr (VI). The adsorption of Cr (VI) by MBⱷOTS and OTS was compared with each other for series of adsorption parameters. Magnetic form of OTS was constituted with FeCl3.6H2O and FeSO4.7H2O in a basic medium. The Magnetic OTS was heated in an oven at 500 ºC for 60 min. The produced magnetic char was applied for the removal of Cr (VI). The optimum conditions for the maximum Cr (VI) adsorption by MBⱷOTS were determined as; 0.05 g adsorbent dosage, 40 mg/L Cr (VI) initial concentration, pH 2.01 and contact time, 180 min. The adsorption data were described well by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2=0.985) compared to the Freundlich isotherm model (R2=0.969). The maximum Cr (VI) adsorption capacity were calculated from the Langmuir equation was 30.36 mg/g for MBⱷOTS and 11.75 mg/g for OTS. The adsorption capacity of MBⱷOTS was higher than the capacity of raw OTS. The results showed that MBⱷOTS can be an alternative adsorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) in the aquatic environment.