Optimization of Cr(VI) Adsorption by Modified Sesame Hull from Aqueous Solutions Using Response Surface Methodology

The presence of chromium in the environment can be the cause of many toxic effects. The aim of this study was chromium adsorption by modified sesame hull at batch conditions. The effect of different variables such as pH, contact time, chromium concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the chromium adsorption was studied using the Box-Behnken Design. The high R-2 (0.9763) indicated a high correlation between the experimental and predicted values. The optimum pH, contact time, initial chromium concentration and adsorbent dosage were found to be 3, 120 min, 23.23 mg/l and 4.94 g/l, respectively. At optimum conditions, the removal efficiency of chromium obtained 100%. The results indicated that BBD model could efficiently predict the optimum conditions for the chromium adsorption. The modified sesame hull can be used as an efficient adsorbent for chromium removal from aqueous solutions.