The adsorption of chromium(VI) on the Dowex 1x8 resin has been studied. The influence of several variables such as the temperature, the hydrochloric acid and metal concentrations in the aqueous phase and the variation of the amount of resin added has been investigated. Various aqueous solutions were used for the elution of the metal. Although concentrated nitric acid elutes chromium, this can be best accomplished using hydrazine sulfate solutions which at the same time reduce the toxic Cr(VI) to the less toxic trivalent chromium state. Results obtained from batch experiments were applied to a continuous system using vertical columns. Furthermore, the methodology was transferred to an on-line flow injection system.

Peer reviewed