ENHANCED CHROMIUM REMOVAL FROM SIMULATED AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS VIA AHOKO KAOLIN INTERCALATION

This study focuses on the elimination of chromium from simulated aqueous solutions containing potassium chromate, using intercalated Nigerian Ahoko kaolin as an adsorbent. Contemporary environmental challenges are exacerbated by the presence of heavy metals due to their toxicity and accumulative nature. In this investigation, the adsorption process was employed for chromium removal. Initially, the adsorbent underwent a refinement process to eliminate quartz content. Subsequently, it was intercalated with potassium dihydrogen phosphate to enhance its efficacy in chromium removal. Both batch and column studies were conducted, with a focus on parameters such as pH, adsorbate concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage for batch adsorption, as well as flow rate for column adsorption. The determination coefficients for the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms were relatively low, potentially attributed to unconsidered factors like temperature. Nonetheless, Langmuir adsorption exhibited the best fitting. In column studies, breakthrough occurred more rapidly, and breakpoint times decreased with higher flow rates. The results indicate that Nigerian Ahoko kaolin intercalated with potassium dihydrogen phosphate serves as an effective adsorbent for chromium removal from aqueous solutions. In conclusion, Nigerian Ahoko kaolin exhibits promise as a valuable adsorbent for environmental applications.