Epichlorohydrin-Crosslinked Nano-TiO₂/Plum Kernel Shell/Chitosan Hydrogel Beads for the Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solutions
Abstract
The removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from industrial wastewater remains a significant
environmental challenge due to its extreme toxicity and serious risks to both human health and the ecosystem.
This study aims to develop and evaluate a sustainable and efficient adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous
solutions. To achieve this, composite hydrogel beads composed of nano-TiO₂, plum kernel shell, and chitosan
were synthesized using a sol-gel method and crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (nTiO₂–PKS–Cts@ECH). The
morphological and structural characteristics of the biosorbent were analyzed using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Important operational factors, such as
pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and starting Cr (VI) concentration, were optimized using batch adsorption
experiments. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich
isotherm models, with the Langmuir model showing the best fit, indicating monolayer adsorption and a
maximum capacity of 97.09 mg/g. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that the adsorption process followed a pseudosecond-order model, suggesting that chemisorption, electrostatic attraction, and reduction collectively constitute
the rate-limiting steps. Overall, the findings highlight the high potential of nTiO₂–PKS–Cts@ECH as a
promising and eco-friendly biosorbent for the effective removal of Cr (VI) from contaminated water systems
References
- Parlayici, S. & Pehlivan E. (2025). Epichlorohydrin-crosslinked nano-TiO₂/plum kernel shell/chitosan hydrogel beads for the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions The Eurasia Proceedings of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (EPSTEM), 36, 1-10
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Wastewater Treatment Processes |
| Journal Section | Articles |
| Authors | |
| Early Pub Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Publication Date | November 1, 2025 |
| Submission Date | June 27, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | July 29, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 36 |
