Cr(VI) and Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution in fixed bed column using rice bran; experimental, statistical and GA modelling

Rice bran, a green and low-cost adsorbent, is used for Chromium (VI) and Copper (II) remotion from its aqueous solution. The influence of different process parameters in a fixed-bed on the removing efficiency has been investigated. The results show that the removal efficiency is higher at a minimum flow rate, low metal ion concentration, and higher bed height. The adsorption studies show that the rice bran has a better affinity to Chromium (VI) than Copper (II). Different kinetic models are used for the prediction of the column performance. This study shows that rice bran could be a potential and eco-friendly adsorbent for chromium (VI) and copper (II) removal and is suitable for developing countries like India. Multiple linear regression and ANN-based genetic algorithm modelling have been applied successfully to predict both metal ions' percentage removal separately.