SYNTHESIS AND STUDIES ON POLYANILINE AS AN EFFECTIVE ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM WASTEWATER

Abstract

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, huge amount of waste is being discarded from both households as well as industries which is hazardous to our surroundings. The dumping of the waste directly, which consists of toxic metals and other hazardous substances is of great concern as it may cause land and water pollution. The treatment of the wastewater prior discarding it may reduce the land and water pollution significantly. In this project, the polyaniline has been synthesized and further utilizes as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The emphasis has been given mainly on the removal of Cr and Hg ions. The adsorption study has been conducted for the removal of Cr and Hg ions from their aqueous solution. UV-Visible Spectroscopy was used to find out the concentration of the heavy metal ions prior and post to adsorption. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) confirmed the presence of Hg and Cr ions. Percentage adsorption varied from 60.1% to 97.40%. Polyaniline was found to be the effective adsorbant, with low cost and ease in synthesis. Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) confirmed the nano-structure of the synthesized polyamine.