Metal ions removal from polluted waters by sorption onto exhausted coffee waste. Application to metal finishing industries wastewater treatment

Resumen

A new technology for Cr(VI) and divalent metal ions removal based on metal sorption onto exhausted coffee waste has been developed. Physical and chemical characterization of exhausted coffee waste was explored as well as the role of structural and non structural compounds of the waste in metal ions sorption. Kinetics of Cr(VI) sorption from binary mixtures containing different Cr(VI) and Cu(II) molar ratios were carried out in a batch reactor. A synergistic effect of Cu(II) in Cr(VI) reduction and sorption was found. From the kinetic sets of data a kinetic model taking into account Cr(VI) reduction/sorption, reduced Cr(III) sorption and Cu(II)synergistic effect on sorption was developed. The model described quite accurately the overall process of Cr(VI) removal. Biosorption by coffee wastes followed by precipitation resulted to be an efficient and low cost technology to remove Cr(VI) and divalent metals from synthetic and industrial effluents from metal finishing industries