Cost-Effective and Sustainable Removal of Hexavalent Chromium Using Sunflower Cob Activated Carbon

Abstract

The present invention provides a cost-effective and sustainable method for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water using activated carbon derived from sunflower cobs. This invention includes the production of activated carbon through carbonization and activation of sunflower cobs, creating an adsorbent material with high chromium adsorption capacity. The method provides an eco-friendly, scalable alternative to traditional water treatment methods, reducing both environmental and financial costs. This invention is applicable in industrial and municipal water treatment as well as portable filtration systems, addressing a critical need for safe and affordable water purification.

Specification

Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention Title: Cost-Effective and Sustainable Removal of Hexavalent Chromium Using Sunflower Cob Activated Carbon
DESCRIPTION:
Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to water treatment technologies, specifically targeting the removal of toxic metals such as hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water. This invention utilizes activated carbon derived from sunflower cobs as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent material. The field of application includes environmental remediation, particularly in industries where chromium contamination is a major concern, such as manufacturing, leather processing, electroplating, and textile industries.
BACKGROUND:
Chromium contamination, especially in its hexavalent form (Cr(VI)), is a major environmental and public health issue. Cr(VI) is highly toxic, carcinogenic, and poses risks to both ecosystems and human health. Industrial discharge, including from metal plating, textile manufacturing, and leather tanning, often contains chromium, making it essential to treat wastewater effectively before release into the environment. Traditional methods for chromium removal, such as chemical precipitation and ion exchange, are costly and often involve secondary pollution risks.
Activated carbon is a widely used adsorbent in water purification due to its high surface area and adsorption capabilities. However, the high cost of commercially available activated carbon limits its accessibility for many industries, particularly in developing regions. Agricultural by-products, such as sunflower cobs, are abundant and inexpensive, providing a sustainable source for activated carbon. Sunflower cobs are often discarded as waste, but when processed into activated carbon, they can offer an economical solution to chromium removal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Composition:
The invention involves the production of activated carbon from sunflower cobs. The process includes:
1. Collection and preparation of sunflower cobs, which are cleaned, dried, and ground.
2. Carbonization of the ground sunflower cobs at high temperatures in a controlled environment.
3. Activation of the carbonized material, typically using chemical agents (such as phosphoric acid or potassium hydroxide) or physical activation through steam treatment. This increases the surface area and adsorption capacity of the activated carbon.
The resulting sunflower cob activated carbon (SCAC) is characterized by its porous structure and high adsorption efficiency for Cr(VI).
1. Cost-Effectiveness: The use of sunflower cobs, an agricultural waste product, makes the production process inexpensive compared to conventional activated carbon.
2. Sustainability: Utilizing agricultural by-products reduces waste and promotes a circular economy, aligning with sustainable environmental practices.
3. High Adsorption Capacity: SCAC has a high surface area and porosity, making it efficient in adsorbing Cr(VI) ions from contaminated water.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike other treatment methods that may produce harmful by-products, SCAC offers an environmentally friendly approach with minimal secondary pollution.
5. Scalability: The production and application of SCAC can be scaled to suit various industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Applications
1. Industrial Wastewater Treatment: SCAC can be used in industries such as leather processing, metal plating, and textile manufacturing where Cr(VI) contamination is common.
2. Municipal Water Treatment: SCAC can be applied in water treatment plants to remove trace levels of chromium and other contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water.
3. Portable Water Filtration Systems: SCAC can be integrated into small-scale water filters, providing a low-cost solution for chromium removal in households or rural areas.
CONCLUSION
This invention demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective solution for Cr(VI) removal using sunflower cob-derived activated carbon. By repurposing agricultural waste, the invention supports eco-friendly waste management and contributes to safer water treatment practices. The sunflower cob activated carbon is an efficient adsorbent with potential applications across various industries and municipal systems, addressing chromium contamination challenges economically and sustainably.
, Claims:1. Claim 1: A process for producing activated carbon from sunflower cobs, comprising cleaning, drying, carbonizing, and activating the sunflower cobs.
2. Claim 2: The activated carbon produced by the method in claim 1, characterized by high porosity and high adsorption efficiency for hexavalent chromium.
3. Claim 3: A method of removing hexavalent chromium from water, comprising contacting the water with sunflower cob activated carbon.
4. Claim 4: The use of sunflower cob activated carbon in industrial wastewater treatment for chromium removal.
5. Claim 5: The use of sunflower cob activated carbon in household or portable water filtration systems to reduce chromium levels.

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