A systematic review on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions: Recent advances

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adsorption #anthropogenic-effects #chromium #hydrogen-ion-concentration #kinetics

A systematic review on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions: Recent advances

Rajapaksha et al., 2022 | Sci Total Environ | Systematic Review

Citation

Rajapaksha Anushka Upamali, Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam, ... Ok Yong Sik. A systematic review on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions: Recent advances. Sci Total Environ. 2022-Feb-25;809:152055. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152055

Abstract

The contamination of natural resources by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) originating from natural and anthropogenic activities is a serious environmental concern. Although many articles on chromium remediation have been published, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in remediation with different sorbents is not yet available. In this systematic review, the performance and applicability of several adsorptive materials for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous media are discussed, along with a detailed analysis of the mechanisms involved. Statistical analysis is applied to compare the efficacies of different adsorbents, while a similar approach is used to determine the effects of sorbent properties and experimental conditions on the adsorption capacity. A detailed analysis of the factors involved in fixed-bed column studies is also presented. A suitable desorption approach to the regeneration of the spent adsorbent and its adsorption performance in reuse is also examined. Among the different sorbents, nanoparticles and mineral-doped biochar were found to be the most effective sorbents, while the adsorption was higher at low pH (~4.0) than that at intermediate pH (6-8). Contrary to our expectation, adsorption was high for sorbents with low specific surface areas, suggesting that the adsorption of Cr(VI) is largely influenced by the chemical properties of the sorbents. The optimum adsorption in fixed-bed column systems is obtained at a lower Cr(VI) ion concentration, a lower influent flow rate, and a higher bed height. Since most of the studies reviewed herein were merely experimental and utilized ideal conditions with the presence of a single contaminant, i.e. Cr(VI) in water, further studies on adsorption dynamics with the presence of other interfering ions are suggested. This review is promising for the further development of Cr(VI) removal strategies and closes the research gaps pertaining to their challenges.

Key Findings

This review is promising for the further development of Cr(VI) removal strategies and closes the research gaps pertaining to their challenges.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adsorption
  • Anthropogenic Effects
  • Chromium
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Water
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09