Cr (VI) and Fe (III) removal using Cajanus cajan husk.

Husk of tur dal (Cajanus cajan) was investigated as a new biosorbent for the removal of Fe (III) and Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Parameters like agitation time, adsorbent dosage and pH were studied at different initial Fe (III) and Cr (VI) concentrations. The biosorptive capacity of the Tur dal husk was dependent on the pH of the chromium and iron solution, with pH 2 and 2.5 respectively being optimal. The adsorption data fit well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The practical limiting adsorption capacity (qmax) calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 96.05 mg of Cr(VI)/ g of the biosorbent at an initial pH of 2.0 and 66.65 mg/g at pH 2.5. The infrared spectra of the biomass revealed that hydroxyl, carboxyl and amide bonds are involved in the uptake of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions. Characterisation of tur dal husk has revealed that it is an excellent material for treating wastewaters containing low concentration of metal ions.

Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions by the husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arientinum)

The potential to remove Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions through biosorption using the husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arientinum), was investigated in batch experiments. The results showed removal of 99.9 percent of chromium in the 10 mgl-1 chromium solution, the biomass required at saturation was 1 g mg-1. Kinetic experiments revealed that the dilute chromium solutions reached equilibrium within 180 min. The biosorptive capacity of the (bgh) was dependent on the pH of the chromium solution, with pH 2 being optimal. The adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 91.64 mg Cr (VI)/g at pH 2. The adsorption capacity increased with increase in agitation speed and an optimum was achieved at 120 rpm. The biosorption of Cr (VI) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which suggested that the presence of Cr (VI) ions in the biomass affects the bands corresponding to hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Comprehensive characterisation of parameters indicates bgh to be an excellent material for biosorption of Cr (VI) to treat wastewaters containing low concentration of the metal.

Economic valuation of wetlands.

This paper with case studies discusses the valuation of ecosystems considering the direct, indirect and existence benefits. The economic valuation of wetlands helps to understand the constituent's functions and benefits and this exercise could act as a catalyst for wetland conservation. The services provided by these wetlands are innumerable and these values are often lost through inappropriate development and are used inefficiently due to lack of knowledge about the vital functions performed by them. Linkages between use values and ecosystem functions are highlighted to raise awareness among the users. The role of the stake-holders especially public and private sectors in managing the ecosystems in a sustainable manner has also been outlined in this paper while evolving the management strategies.