Adsorptive Sequestration of Hexavalent Chromium Using Thiol-Functionalized Sugarcane Bagasse Biomass

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 13, No. 3, March 2022 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2022/IJC/000161

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Adsorptive Sequestration of Hexavalent Chromium Using Thiol-Functionalized Sugarcane Bagasse Biomass

Names of Authors: E. N. Chidi¹, L. M. van der Westhuizen²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South South Africa.

Abstract: Heavy metal contamination of surface waters by industrial chrome plating operations requires the development of low-cost, chemically stable, and highly active biosorption matrices. This investigation reports the adsorptive efficiency of a modified agricultural adsorbent derived from sugarcane bagasse prepared via chemical modification with thioglycolic acid. The chemical transformations and surface porous architectures of the matrix were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The analytical data confirmed that the thiolation process successfully integrated sulfur-rich thiol (-SH) functional ligand networks across the cellulosic biomass structure. Batch extraction experiments evaluated parameters of solution pH, equilibrium contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Cr(VI) concentrations. Maximum chromium adsorption occurred at an acidic pH of 2.0, using an equilibrium contact period of 90 minutes due to the protonation of surface functional groups. Equilibrium data matched the Langmuir model closely, showing a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 54.45 mg/g at 298 K. Sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model with a high correlation coefficient (R² > 0.998), proving that chemical surface complexation reactions controlled the mass transfer rates. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed process spontaneity and endothermic characteristics, highlighting this modified biomass as an affordable material for industrial water treatment plant design.

Keywords: Sugarcane bagasse; Thiolation; Hexavalent chromium; Adsorption kinetics; Chemisorption; Wastewater treatment

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 02, 2021; Revised: July 15, 2021; Accepted: August 10, 2021; Published: March 08, 2022.

Citation: Chidi, E. N., & van der Westhuizen, L. M. (2022). Adsorptive Sequestration of Hexavalent Chromium Using Thiol-Functionalized Sugarcane Bagasse Biomass. International Journal of Chemistry, 13(3), 17–24.

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