Performance Evaluation of Natural Adsorbent in Treating Textile Wastewater

Water is essential for humans as well as animals. We cannot imagine the world without water. At the same time, the usage of water in today's world has been unpredictable. Owing to the increasing population and the growth of the industries, this demand for water is also increasing rapidly. As a result, the water is converted into wastewater as part of its use. Textile industry wastewater contains a high degree of pollutants, is bluish green color, has a high level of total dissolved solids and suspended solids. Wastewater is highly viscous owing to dyestuffs and suspended solids. Chromium has been widely used in industries for textiles, manufacturing of chemicals, finishing of metals, and in the steel industries. As chromium is a heavy metal and toxic, which can directly affect living organisms in terms of chronic diseases when the wastewater is directly discharged into natural streams such as rivers without carrying out any treatment. Currently, the adsorption of chromium on to the natural adsorbent of turmeric powder is being investigated. The adsorption studies were conducted by varying the pH, contact time for adsorption and the various levels of dosage. The maximum adsorption of 89.75% was obtained for a pH of 5, a contact time of 120 min and a dosage of 4 g/l. Also, the Langmuir isotherm model was fitted well to the study. As turmeric powder is a natural adsorbent, it is easily available and economical.