Adsorption of Chromium (VI) from Water Solution onto Polymeric Membrane Systems

The toxic metals have shown a significant concentration increases in the superficial waters as a result of inappropriate residuals discharge by the municipality and industry. For chromium species can be clearly distinguished two oxidation states: Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Also, chromium's hexavalent form, can be included in A group of human carcinogen for its mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics. For Cr(VI) separation and recovering, different systems have been used, the chemical membranes being a valuable solution. In order to increase their efficacy, magnetite has been added, creating a complex system. The morphology and surface characteristics of the new systems (polysulfone (PSf) membrane in N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) with magnetite) have been proved with the following types of analysis: FT-IR, Raman, SEM, OM and colorimetric determination of chromium. Magnetite incorporated in the polysulfone/NMP/Fe3O4 membrane is one new solutions used with success in retention of Cr (VI) from wastewater (85%).