Utilization of Natural Coagulant for Chromium (VI) and Cadmium Removal from aqueous Solution

Heavy metal contamination in water is now a major environmental issue because of its toxicity and effects. For removal of heavy metals various treatments are given to water such as reverse osmosis, solvent extraction, chemical oxidation etc. but these are expensive. In present work, Coagulation process is used for removal of Hexavalent Chromium and Cadmium from aqueous solution using natural coagulants. The potential of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) and soybean (Glycine max) is investigated to remove Cr (VI) and Cd (II). Protein present in seeds is main constituent for removal. Batch scale experiments are carried out and various experimental parameters such as pH, Coagulant dose, Stirring rate, Initial metal concentration and Coagulation time. The optimum pH for maximum uptake of Cr was at 6 and for Cd was at 7. As per results the removal efficiency for Cr (VI) using soybean and pumpkin seed are found about 90.2 % and 92.2 % respectively. The removal efficiency for Cd (II) using soybean and pumpkin seed are found about 93.5 % and 93.3 % respectively.