Optimization of the chromium (Cr+6) reduction from waterways using chemically and bacterially treated agro-waste

Heavy metals, a major source of pollution in the environment, pose a substantial threat due to their non-biodegradability and ability to accumulate in living organisms, causing health problems. Recently, researchers have been searching for cost-effective and safe ways to remove heavy metals from polluted waterways using agricultural waste substitutes. The present study focused on the low-cost treatments for the reduction of chromium Cr⁺⁶ metal from the effluent, wherein it has been found that chemically and bacterially treated agro-waste had increased heavy metal ion adsorption capabilities. A sequential optimization of the process parameters was attempted using Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and central composite design of response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) for the maximum reduction of the chromium metal from the effluent. A total of eight parameters were screened out using a 12-run PBD experiment. Out of the eight parameters, time, HCl, NaOH, and bacterial treatments were found to be significantly affecting the maximum reduction of Cr⁺⁶ from the effluent. To investigate the interactions' effects of the chosen parameters, they were evaluated using CCD-RSM. Maximum 74% Cr⁺⁶ reduction was achieved under the optimum treatment to rice husk of HCl 4.52 N, NaOH 3.53 N, bacterial suspension 7.41%, and with an interaction time 14.32 min using 30 run CCD-RSM experiment. A scanning electron microscope was used to confirm the effects of selected variables on the agro-waste for the Cr⁺⁶ reductions, as well as a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.