Removal of Chromium from Electroplating Wastewater by Aminated Polyacrylonitrile Fibers

Abstract Batch and column studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of a novel aminated polyacrylonitrile (TE-PAN) fiber for total chromium removal from electroplating wastewater. Results from batch sorption studies showed that sorption equilibrium of chromium on TE-PAN was achieved within about 10 min. Temperature had no significant effect on sorption isotherms and estimated maximum uptake of total chromium was 133 mg/g. TE-PAN exhibited high removal efficiency over a wide pH range (2–7). Column studies demonstrated that exhausted TE-PAN fibers could be completely regenerated by 0.1 M NaOH for repeated sorption of chromium after as many as 15 sorption-regeneration cycles. FTIR and SEM analyses further validated the efficiency and stability of TE-PAN for chromium removal. Findings of this study have significant practical applications for treatment of chromium contaminated waters.