HIGHLY EFFICIENT REDUCTION OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT USING MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACT

Author (s) : S.Kalaivani & R.Selvabharathi

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Abstract :
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal widely found in industrial effluents, posing severe environmental and health hazards. Conventional methods for Cr(VI) reduction often involve expensive and complex technologies, making it imperative to explore alternative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approaches. This study focuses on investigating the potential of medicinal plant extracts as a highly efficient and sustainable means to reduce Cr(VI) in industrial effluents.The research utilized extracts from a selected medicinal plant known for its diverse phytochemical composition, which has been traditionally used for its therapeutic properties. The extraction process involved using water as the solvent, promoting an environmentally friendly and safe procedure. The obtained extract was then characterized using modern analytical techniques to identify the active components responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the medicinal plant extract in reducing Cr(VI) concentrations from synthetic industrial effluent samples. The effects of various parameters, such as pH, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and extract dosage, were studied to optimize the reduction process.Results demonstrated that the medicinal plant extract exhibited exceptional Cr(VI) reduction capabilities, effectively converting Cr(VI) into less toxic and less mobile trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) species. The optimal conditions for Cr(VI) reduction were found to be at a neutral pH and an appropriate dosage of the medicinal plant extract, with higher reduction rates observed at lower initial Cr(VI) concentrations. The efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction achieved using the medicinal plant extract surpassed conventional reduction methods, showcasing its potential as a viable alternative for industrial effluent treatment. Moreover, the extract's cost-effectiveness and simplicity in application make it an attractive option for small-scale industries and regions with limited access to advanced treatment technologies.This study establishes the promising role of medicinal plant extracts in reducing Cr(VI) pollution, highlighting the significance of harnessing the untapped potential of traditional herbal remedies for environmental remediation. Further research on the optimization of extraction techniques, identification of active constituents, and long-term stability of the extract's efficacy will pave the way for its practical implementation in large-scale industrial wastewater treatment systems, mitigating the environmental burden of hexavalent chromium contamination

Keywords : Hexavalent chromium,heavy metal ,Phytochemical composition.

Conference Date : 30/08/2019

Pages : 175-176

Paper ID : 19171