Dissertations submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in technology: Biotechnology, Technikon Natal, 2001. / Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] or chromate, is a toxic, water-soluble contaminant present in many soils and industrial eflluents. As a result of contaminated discharges from industrial applications, and inappropriate wastedisposal practices, significant amounts of chromate have found their way into the environment. This poses a health risk to man as well as animals and plants due to the carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity of chromate. In man, acute, high level exposures to Cr(VI) can result in ulceration of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Exposure of plants to Cr(VI) can result in reduced biomass production, and in extreme cases, death. Upon reduction ofCr(VI) to trivalent chromium [Cr(III], the toxic effects are significantly decreased because of a decrease in the solubility and bioavailability of Cr(III). Traditionally, Cr(VI) has been recovered from aqueous systems using processes exploiting the differential solubility properties described above. The use of chromate reducing bacteria represents a potential mechanism for the development of an efficacious, cost effective alternative to traditional chemical/physical processes for Cr(VI) recovery from the environment. Therefore, the aim of this research was to isolate and identify chromate reducing bacteria from soil, and characterise the chromate reductase enzyme in order to determine the potential of bacteria to detoxify chromate by reduction. Bacteria from soils and wastewater were examined for chromate reducing potential and identified on the basis of biochemical tests and API 20E. Organisms were isolated by the spread plate technique. Species of Pseudomonas maltophilia, Bacillus subtilis, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Cellumonas cellasea were capable of catalyzing the reduction ofCr(VI) to Cr(IlI) in batch experiments. Reduction capability as high as 99% by the isolates was detected from an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 150 mg.L' in batch cultures. Chromate reduction was determined by means of the diphenylcarbazide method and total chromium was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Pseudomonas maltophilia was observed to be the most suited organism for the efficient detoxification ofCr(VI) due to its wide temperature and pH requirements, low substrate utilization, and tolerance to heavy metal ions of'Cu', Cd2+,Zn2+,and Ni2+which commonly appear in industrial eflluents along with Cr(VI). Reduction rate in a batch reactor for this organism was calculated to be 1.75 mg.g+h'. Comparison of the rates of chromate reduction by Cr(VI) grown cells and cells grown without chromate indicated that the chromate reductase activity is constitutive. Reductase activity was detected by means of the lysozyme-EDTA method in aerobically grown cells, with highest specific activity in the cytoplasmic fraction of the cell. The Cr(VI)-reductase was found to be NAD(p)H-dependent and yielded an activity of 3.24 ml.I.mg' of protein in the cytoplasmic fraction. Once optimization of the parameters in the batch reactor was achieved, cells of Ps. maltophilia was immobilized into polyacrylamide gel and packed in a column. Mass balance studies indicated that ca 147 mg.L' chromate passing through the column undergoes reduction with an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 150 mg.L' resulting in a Cr(VI) reduction efficiency of98%. An amount of 0.11 mg.L' remained in the cells, 0.11 mg.L' in the cell wash water, and 1.65 mg.L' was unaccounted for in the mass balance. Chromate reduction rate in the continuous-upflow reactor system was calculated to be 5.34 mg.g'l.h', which was 3-fold higher than that calculated for the batch reactor. Chromium-contaminated industrial eflluent obtained from Sheffield, Natal, and Saayman Danks Electroplaters was pumped into the continuous-upflow reactor containing immobilized cells of Ps. maltophilia to determine the industrial applicability of the reactor to treat chromate-containing effluents. Complete Cr(VI) reduction / M

Thesis (MTech. : Environmental Management.)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010.

M.Tech. (Chemistry) / This study investigated the functionalization of coke particles and their utilization for the preparation of coke-polymer composite. Looking at the possibility of using it for the removal of lead and chromium ions from their aqueous solutions. Due to various inorganic materials in coke, it was treated with acid to demineralize the ash content. The demineralized coke was further oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to add functional groups on its surface as well as in the bulk of coke particles before coating of the polymers. The composite preparation entails modifying the surface properties of coke with hydrophilic polymers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) followed by the crosslinking to improve the interfacial interaction between the polymer and coke to make the synthesized composite stable in water. The structural composition of coke and modified coke was examined by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Raman Spectroscopy, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. It was also observed that the modified coke samples have enhanced carbon reactivity which indicates that the non-carbon phases were removed by the treatment with acid. The adsorption studies for the removal of Pb (II) and Cr (III) ions from contaminated water was done in batch mode using variables such as pH, contact time and the initial concentration. The synthesized material was found to have better adsorption capacity as compared to raw coke. To understand the adsorption isotherm processes, Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were applied. The monolayer adsorption capacity for the removal of lead ions was found to be 2.41 mg/g, 2.95 mg/g, 8.32 mg/g, 9.70 mg/g and 9.84 mg/g for raw coke, acid treated coke, PVA coated coke, PEG coated coke and PVP coated coke, respectively. The chromium monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 9.48 mg/g, 9.94 mg/g, 35.84 mg/g, 32.79 mg/g and 34.13 mg/g for the same order of adsorbents mentioned for lead. Studies were carried out at the optimum pH of 6.0 for both the metal ions. The adsorption kinetic studies showed that both the metal ions followed pseudo second order rate equation and the adsorption equilibrium was attained in 60 minutes and 120 minutes for Pb (II) and Cr (III) ions, respectively.

M.Sc. (Chemistry) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M. Tech. Engineering: Chemical / Researches the usability and efficiency of the synthesized PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite as adsorbent in Cr(VI) remediation from contaminated wastewaters.The specific objectives of the study are:to synthesise and characterize the PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite ; to characterize the prepared nanocomposite using several sophisticated instruments such as, SEM, BET, XRD, et cetera ; to carryout batch adsorption equilibrium and kinetics studies for evaluating the performance of the nanosorbent and to gain insight into the underlying adsorption mechanisms.; to apply adsorption equilibrium and kinetic models.; to assess the breakthrough performance of the PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite for Cr(VI) adsorption by varying operating parameters, in fixed bed column mode and to apply existing mathematical models to predict the performance of fixed bed adsorption systems and to obtain column design parameters.

D. Tech. Chemical Engineering / Aims of this research project was to add value to largely wasted South African sawdust by development of low-cost AC of high efficiency for removal of toxic Cr (VI), phenol and glutaraldehyde from dilute aqueous media. The main objectives of the research project were: a) To develop low-cost AC based on South African P. patula sawdust using economical physical superheated steam activation.Characterization of carbon samples for selection of optimum preparation conditions for development of low-cost AC of effective microporosity mesoporosity and surface functionality for enhanced adsorption capacity of Cr (VI) and/or phenol and/or glutaraldehyde from dilute aqueous solution. Acid-amine surface groups modification of optimally developed AC for further enhancement of adsorption capacity for mixed polarized glutaraldehyde molecules from aqueous solution. b) To evaluate the aqueous phase batch adsorption properties of developed AC for Cr (VI) and phenol and, of acid-amine modified developed AC for glutaraldehyde. Determination of optimum pH for adsorption; accurate adsorption isotherm modelling for determination of maximum adsorption capacity, comparison of maximum adsorption capacities for Cr (VI) and phenol of developed AC with commercial AC and literature ACs, and attempt to establish average micropore size for enhanced capacity for Cr (VI) and phenol from dilute aqueous solution.Kinetics reaction and diffusion modelling for determination of adsorption rate constants and diffusion parameters; and determination of adsorption thermodynamic parameters.Evaluation of equilibrium selectivity of developed AC for Cr (VI) and/or phenol in binary aqueous solutions. c) To evaluate aqueous phase fixed-bed adsorption characteristics of developed AC for single Cr (VI) and mixed solution using Rapid Small Scale column Tests (RSSCTs). Generation of breakthrough curves at optimum adsorption conditions for evaluation of column performance indicators at different process conditions, bed regeneration-reusability potential, and dynamic adsorption selectivity of developed AC for Cr (VI) from solution of base metals. Determination of column diffusion parameters; accurate mass transfer and empirical modelling of breakthrough data; determination of applicable RSSCT scaling equation; and optimization of breakthrough data for accurate RSSCT scale-up.

M.Tech. Engineering: Chemical. / Aims at demonstrating the application of semi-continuous and continuous magnetic adsorption separation (MAS) techniques to extract Cr (VI) ions from wastewater streams using PPy-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. Specifically, the research aims to achieve the following objectives: to design, synthesize and characterize new generation PPy-Fe3O4 nanocomposite with varied magnetite composition for hexavalent chromium removal ; to generate batch adsorption kinetic data in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and apply existing kinetic models to aid in water treatment system design.; to design and construct magnetic adsorption separation (MAS) device that can operate in a semi-continuous and continuous mode and explore their performances and to optimize the systems' performance.

O lodo gerado em processos de galvanoplastia é classificado pela ABNT NBR 10.004/04 como perigoso (classe I). Na literatura encontram-se poucos estudos referentes à recuperação do cromo presente no lodo gerado em sistemas de tratamento de efluentes de indústrias de galvanoplastia. Neste sentido, o presente estudo avaliou a remoção do cromo presente no lodo de galvanoplastia por meio de dois processos, visando avaliar à eficiência técnica e a viabilidade econômica de ambos. O Processo 1 consistiu na remoção do cálcio utilizando o ácido cítrico, seguida de lixiviação ácida. Na etapa de oxidação, variou-se a temperatura em 40ºC, 60ºC e 80ºC e no tempo de 30, 60 e 90 minutos, tendo em vista que a eficiência do processo de oxidação depende da temperatura e tempo. Nesta etapa do processo as concentrações de peroxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) utilizadas foram de 1,50, 3,00 e 4,50 mol.L-1. O Processo 2 realizou a oxidação do cromo sem efetuar as etapas de extração do cálcio e a lixiviação ácida. A oxidação do cromo ocorreu pelo mesmo método apresentado no Processo 1. A caracterização elementar da amostra determinou que o principal elemento constituinte do lodo é o cálcio (20,05% em massa), e que dentre os metais pesados destacam-se o cromo e o níquel (6,52% e 4,33% em massa, respectivamente). A maior eficiência de remoção do cálcio foi obtida na razão mássica de 8,00 (ácido cítrico/hidróxido de cálcio), com 51,76% em massa, seguida pela razão mássica de 5,50 com 36,75% em massa e 2,50 com 24,83% em massa. O melhor resultado de oxidação do cromo no Processo 1 foi obtido com tempo de 30 minutos, temperatura de 60ºC e concentração de peroxido de hidrogênio de 3,00 mol.L-1, com eficiência de 41,09% em massa. No Processo 2, obteve-se a remoção de 37,96% em massa de cromo a temperatura de 80ºC, por uma hora e 3,00 mol.L-1 de peróxido de hidrogênio. Avaliando os custos para remoção do cromo dos dois processos, determinou-se que o Processo 1 foi mais oneroso que o 2, porém ambos não apresentaram viabilidade econômica para aplicação em escala industrial. Nos dois processos efetuou-se a oxidação do cromo presente no lodo de galvanoplastia, permitindo a sua remoção parcial neste resíduo. Com isso obtiveram-se ganhos ambientais, pela diminuição deste elemento no resíduo de galvanoplastia, que na maioria das vezes é disposto em aterros classe I, gerando um passivo ambiental. / The sludge generated in electroplating processes is classified by NBR 10.004/04 as a hazardous material (class I). In the literature, few studies report the recovery of chromium present in the electroplating sludge generated in the industries. In this sense, the present study conducted the removal of chromium in the electroplating sludge through two different processes, aiming to evaluate their efficiency and economic viability. The first process removed calcium through the use of citric acid being performed by varying the ratio of citric acid/calcium hydroxide (2.5, 5.5 and 8.0). Then, were performed the leaching of the samples. According to the literature, the efficiency of the oxidation process varies depending on the reaction temperature, time and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. For this reason, samples were heated to a temperature ranging from 40°C, 60°C and 80°C. Also, were conducted variations in the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mol.L-1) and reaction time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). The second Process consisted in the chrome recovery by using the galvanic sludge without removal of the calcium and acid leaching. The chrome oxidation occurred by the same method shown in Process 1. Elemental characterization of the samples determined that the primary sludge constituent was calcium (20.05% by weight), and in terms of heavy metals, the chromium and the nickel (6.52% and 4.33% by mass, respectively). Most of calcium removal efficiency was obtained at a rate of 8 with 51.76% by mass, then the ratio of 5.50 to 36.75% by mass and 2.50 to 24.83% by mass. The best oxidation result of chromium in Process 1 was obtained using a time of 30 minutes, 60°C and hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3 mol.l-1, with 41.09 wt% efficiency. In Process 2 was obtained the removal of 37.96% by mass of chromium temperature of 80°C, for one hour and 3,00 mol.l-1 of hydrogen peroxide. Evaluating the costs for chrome removal of the two processes was determined that the Process 1 was more costly than 2, but both showed no economic feasibility for implementation on an industrial scale. However, in both cases occurred the oxidation of chromium present in the electroplating sludge, allowing its removal from the residue. Thus, environmental gains have been achieved by the reduction of this element in electroplating waste, which mostly is intended for landfill class I, generating an environmental liability.

O lodo gerado em processos de galvanoplastia é classificado pela ABNT NBR 10.004/04 como perigoso (classe I). Na literatura encontram-se poucos estudos referentes à recuperação do cromo presente no lodo gerado em sistemas de tratamento de efluentes de indústrias de galvanoplastia. Neste sentido, o presente estudo avaliou a remoção do cromo presente no lodo de galvanoplastia por meio de dois processos, visando avaliar à eficiência técnica e a viabilidade econômica de ambos. O Processo 1 consistiu na remoção do cálcio utilizando o ácido cítrico, seguida de lixiviação ácida. Na etapa de oxidação, variou-se a temperatura em 40ºC, 60ºC e 80ºC e no tempo de 30, 60 e 90 minutos, tendo em vista que a eficiência do processo de oxidação depende da temperatura e tempo. Nesta etapa do processo as concentrações de peroxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) utilizadas foram de 1,50, 3,00 e 4,50 mol.L-1. O Processo 2 realizou a oxidação do cromo sem efetuar as etapas de extração do cálcio e a lixiviação ácida. A oxidação do cromo ocorreu pelo mesmo método apresentado no Processo 1. A caracterização elementar da amostra determinou que o principal elemento constituinte do lodo é o cálcio (20,05% em massa), e que dentre os metais pesados destacam-se o cromo e o níquel (6,52% e 4,33% em massa, respectivamente). A maior eficiência de remoção do cálcio foi obtida na razão mássica de 8,00 (ácido cítrico/hidróxido de cálcio), com 51,76% em massa, seguida pela razão mássica de 5,50 com 36,75% em massa e 2,50 com 24,83% em massa. O melhor resultado de oxidação do cromo no Processo 1 foi obtido com tempo de 30 minutos, temperatura de 60ºC e concentração de peroxido de hidrogênio de 3,00 mol.L-1, com eficiência de 41,09% em massa. No Processo 2, obteve-se a remoção de 37,96% em massa de cromo a temperatura de 80ºC, por uma hora e 3,00 mol.L-1 de peróxido de hidrogênio. Avaliando os custos para remoção do cromo dos dois processos, determinou-se que o Processo 1 foi mais oneroso que o 2, porém ambos não apresentaram viabilidade econômica para aplicação em escala industrial. Nos dois processos efetuou-se a oxidação do cromo presente no lodo de galvanoplastia, permitindo a sua remoção parcial neste resíduo. Com isso obtiveram-se ganhos ambientais, pela diminuição deste elemento no resíduo de galvanoplastia, que na maioria das vezes é disposto em aterros classe I, gerando um passivo ambiental. / The sludge generated in electroplating processes is classified by NBR 10.004/04 as a hazardous material (class I). In the literature, few studies report the recovery of chromium present in the electroplating sludge generated in the industries. In this sense, the present study conducted the removal of chromium in the electroplating sludge through two different processes, aiming to evaluate their efficiency and economic viability. The first process removed calcium through the use of citric acid being performed by varying the ratio of citric acid/calcium hydroxide (2.5, 5.5 and 8.0). Then, were performed the leaching of the samples. According to the literature, the efficiency of the oxidation process varies depending on the reaction temperature, time and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. For this reason, samples were heated to a temperature ranging from 40°C, 60°C and 80°C. Also, were conducted variations in the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mol.L-1) and reaction time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). The second Process consisted in the chrome recovery by using the galvanic sludge without removal of the calcium and acid leaching. The chrome oxidation occurred by the same method shown in Process 1. Elemental characterization of the samples determined that the primary sludge constituent was calcium (20.05% by weight), and in terms of heavy metals, the chromium and the nickel (6.52% and 4.33% by mass, respectively). Most of calcium removal efficiency was obtained at a rate of 8 with 51.76% by mass, then the ratio of 5.50 to 36.75% by mass and 2.50 to 24.83% by mass. The best oxidation result of chromium in Process 1 was obtained using a time of 30 minutes, 60°C and hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3 mol.l-1, with 41.09 wt% efficiency. In Process 2 was obtained the removal of 37.96% by mass of chromium temperature of 80°C, for one hour and 3,00 mol.l-1 of hydrogen peroxide. Evaluating the costs for chrome removal of the two processes was determined that the Process 1 was more costly than 2, but both showed no economic feasibility for implementation on an industrial scale. However, in both cases occurred the oxidation of chromium present in the electroplating sludge, allowing its removal from the residue. Thus, environmental gains have been achieved by the reduction of this element in electroplating waste, which mostly is intended for landfill class I, generating an environmental liability.

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) is a platform technology that is able to realize versatile engineering functions and recover valuable resources in an energy-efficient manner. One of the potential applications of BES is to remove and recover nutrients simultaneously from nutrient-rich wastewater, such as digested manure from livestock. A four-chamber BES was developed and used in this study to explore the potential to remove and recover hexavalent Chromium from synthetic wastewater, and ammonia and phosphate from digested manure. The BES was able to achieve 99.6% removal of Chromium by membrane adsorption in 5 days but failed to recover in the concentration chamber. Nutrients were removed from the waste stream and recovered in the recirculated catholyte by the electrical field generated from the waste. The BES was demonstrated to achieve substantial COD removal, nutrients removal and recovery. On average, the removal efficiencies were about 50% for COD, 85% for NH4-N and 40% for PO4-P, and the concentration of NH4-N recovered in the catholyte was 670 mg/L after 5 cycles under an applied voltage of 0.8 V. PO4-P was not recovered in solution, probably because it has precipitated under the alkaline condition together with Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrated in the catholyte. It was also demonstrated that nutrients removal and recovery depended on the current generation and were mostly completed at high current. To sum up, the BES was proven to be an effective and sustainable approach to remove and recover nutrients from digested manure. / Master of Science