Efficient Removal of Cr(VI) Using Powdered Leaves of Phytolacca dodecandra from Tannery Effluent in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

One of the main sources of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) is tannery industries that pollute the environment and may cause diseases to humans and hinder the development of plants. Since removal of heavy metals by adsorption is not time-consuming, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it is widely used for the remediation of the environment. In the study, Phytolacca dodecandra powdered leaves were used as adsorbents for the removal of Cr (VI) from Davimpex enterprise tannery waste water, Bahir Dar City of Ethiopia. Adsorption of Cr (VI) on to powdered Phytolacca dodecandra leaves was investigated in a batch by considering contact time, pH, temperature and adsorbent dose. The result indicated that the percent removal of Cr(VI) by the powdered leaves of Phytolacca dodecandra increased with decreasing pH (2 – 6), contact time increase (30–150 min) and adsorbent dose (2 g/100 ml – 2.8 g/100 ml). The maximum adsorption efficiency, 89.38% removal, was obtained at a pH of 2, 150 min and 2.8 g/100 ml of adsorbent dose. The results concluded that Phytolacca dodecandra powdered leaves are good adsorbents in removing Cr (VI) from tannery wastewater.