Evaluation of Sample Preparation Procedures for Determination of Cr(VI) in Cr2O3 Pigments by Vis Spectrophotometry

Abstract Six sample preparation procedures were evaluated for selective extraction of Cr(VI) from commercial samples of chromium oxide green (Cr2O3) pigments prior to formation of its diphenylcarbazone complex [CrDPCO]- for determination by visible spectrophotometry: (I) water-soluble chromium; (II) EPA method 3060A without Mg2+; (III) EPA method 3060A with Mg2+; (IV) Na3PO4 based extraction; (V) method IRSA16 based on acidic extraction and; (VI) Na2CO3 based extraction. Evaluation of the influence of concomitant Cr(III) ions, time and stability of the [CrDPCO]- complex was investigated. Recoveries of soluble and insoluble Cr(VI) species were 86% and 80%, respectively, using procedure (VI). Direct calibration against aqueous standards prepared in the extraction medium was successful for Cr(VI) in the concentration range 0.05-1.50 μg L-1. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.3 µg g-1 and 1.0 µg g-1, respectively, for 250 mg subsamples/25 mL. Procedure (VI) was applied to the analysis of four commercial samples of Cr2O3 pigments, three determined to have Cr(VI) within compliance limits below 1.0 µg g-1, but one at 16.6 ± 0.6 µg g-1, prohibiting use of this pigment in cosmetic formulations. This sample was conveniently employed to evaluate the accuracy of the method. The recommended procedure is simple and accurate and has been adopted by Tecpar's laboratory of Parana Institute of Technology (Curitiba, Brazil).

Cr(VI) toxicity inhibits microbe enhanced plant growth promotion without affecting bioremediation potential

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)], a toxic inorganic pollutant of agriculture soil derived from variousanthropogenic industrial sources, disturbs vegetation and contaminates the food chain. Chromate microbialtoxicity was studied using plant growth-promoting chromate reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCCP15442 (P15). With a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1,250 µg/ml Cr(VI), the isolate is capable of 98%bioreduction of 100 µg/ml Cr(VI) in 24 hours and 83% of 500 µg/ml Cr(VI) in 72 hours. Additionally, P15shows tolerance to cross heavy metal pollutants (Cd, Pb, and Zn), halotolerance, and the production of plantgrowth-promoting substance, such as indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and phosphate solubilization in thepresence and absence of Cr(VI). This study also reports that 100 and 250 µg/ml Cr(VI) decreases the productionof IAA, siderophore, and phosphate solubilization without affecting the growth or Cr(VI) bioreduction ability.In Vigna mungo seed bacterization assay, P15 is capable of enhancing root and shoot length in absence ofCr(VI) and reversing toxic effects of 100 µg/ml Cr(VI). No enhancement of plant parameters was observed athigher Cr(VI) concentrations, except reversal of Cr toxicity. These data are indication of the detrimental effectof Cr(VI) pollution on rhizospheric microbial flora associated with plant growth-promoting activities.

Diversidad bacteriana en el biocátodo reductor de Cr(VI) de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana con puente salino / Bacterial diversity in the Cr(VI) reducing biocathode of a Microbial Fuel Cell with salt bridge

Although Cr(VI)-reducing and/or tolerant microorganisms have been investigated, there is no detailed information on the composition of the microbial community of the biocathode microbial fuel cell for Cr(VI) reduction. In this investigation, the bacterial diversity of a biocathode was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It was found that most bacteria belonged to phylum Proteobacteria (78.8%), Firmicutes (7.9%), Actinobacteria (6.6%) and Bacteroidetes (5.5%), commonly present in environments contaminated with Cr(VI). The dominance of the genus Pseudomonas (34.87%), followed by the genera Stenotrophomonas (5.8%), Shinella (4%), Papillibacter (3.96%), Brevundimonas (3.91%), Pseu-dochrobactrum (3.54%), Ochrobactrum (3.49%), Hydrogenophaga (2.88%), Rhodococcus (2.88%), Fluviicola (2.35%), and Alcaligenes (2.3%), was found. It is emphasized that some genera have not previously been associated with Cr(VI) reduction. This biocathode from waters contaminated with tannery effluents was able to remove Cr(VI) (97.83%) in the cathodic chamber. Additionally, through use of anaerobic sludge in the anodic chamber, the removal of 76.6% of organic matter (glucose) from synthetic waste water was achieved. In this study, an efficient biocathode for the reduction of Cr(VI) with future use in bioremediation, was characterized.

Aunque se ha investigado sobre los microorganismos reductores y/o tolerantes de Cr(VI), no hay información detallada sobre la composición de la comunidad microbiana del cátodo de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana para la reducción de Cr(VI). En esta investigación se analizó la diversidad bacteriana de un biocátodo usando pirosecuenciación 454 del gen 16S rRNA. Se encontró que la mayoría de las bacterias pertenecieron a los filos Proteobac-teria (78,8%), Firmicutes (7,9%), Actinobacteria (6,6%) y Bacteroidetes (5,5%), comúnmente presentes en ambientes contaminados con Cr(VI). Se encontró como género dominante a Pseudomonas (34,87%), seguido por los géneros Stenotrophomonas (5,8%), Shinella (4%), Papil-libacter (3,96%), Brevundimonas (3,91%), Pseudochrobactrum (3,54%), Ochrobactrum (3,49%), Hydrogenophaga (2,88%), Rhodococcus (2,88%), Fluviicola (2,35%) y Alcaligenes (2,3%). Se destaca que algunos géneros no han sido previamente asociados con la reducción de Cr(VI). Este biocátodo procedente de aguas contaminadas con efluentes de curtiembres fue capaz de remover Cr(VI) (97,83%) en la cámara catódica. Adicionalmente, a través del uso de lodo anaeróbico en la cámara anódica, se logró la remoción del 76,6% de materia orgánica (glucosa) a partir de agua residual sintética. En este estudio se caracterizó un eficiente biocátodo para la reducción de Cr(VI) con futuro uso en biorremediación.

Remediación de residuos sólidos contaminados con Cr(vi) por un hongo filamentoso / Remediation of waste contaminated with Cr (VI) by a filamentous fungus

La biotecnología ambiental recurre a organismos capaces de reducir los niveles de metales pesados, entre ellos el Cr(VI), contenido en residuos y efluentes agroindustriales. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar la biorremediación de un residuo como pulpa de limón contaminada con Cr(VI) y el efecto del metal sobre el crecimiento fúngico. Se utilizaron tres hongos filamentosos como Aspergillus niger; Penicillium expansum y P. islandicum para remediar pulpa de limón (residuo) contaminada con Cr(VI) (50 mg/L) que se realizó en las siguientes condiciones de cultivo: la pulpa se suplementó con urea, 0,006; (NH4) 2SO4, 0,012; KH2PO4,0,003 y KCl, 0,001 g/ g; 105 conidios/g, a pH 2,5, 30°C y 96 h de incubación. Se estudió el efecto tóxico de diferentes concentraciones (5; 10; 20 y 50 mg/L) del metal sobre el desarrollo del hongo de mayor eficiencia de remediación (Ef. por ciento). Aspergillus niger; obtuvo mayor EF. de remediación (97 por ciento) respecto a Penicillium expansum (95 por ciento) y P. islandicum (94 por ciento), del residuo contaminado con 50 mg/L de Cr(VI). Se determinó que la presencia de Cr(VI) y no su concentración estimuló la maduración temprana (48 h) de los conidios (blancos a negros) de A. niger, sin que se observe alteraciones en el micelio con respecto al control (72h), desarrollado en la pulpa sin el metal. En conclusión, A. niger fue más resistente y presentó altas Ef. de remediación de Cr(VI) de residuos sólidos, este proceso es una alternativa a las tecnologías físico-químicas, debido que los microorganismos pueden remover selectivamente diferentes iones de zonas contaminadas.

Environmental biotechnology uses organisms capable of reducing levels of heavy metals, including the Cr (VI), contained in waste and agro-industrial effluents. The objective of this work was to study bioremediation of waste contaminated with Cr(VI) lemon pulp and the effect of the metal on the fungal growth. We used three filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus niger; Penicillium expansum and P. islandicum to remedy pulp from lemon (residue) contaminated with Cr(VI) (50 mg/L) that was conducted in the following conditions of cultivation: the pulp is supplemented with urea, 0.006; (NH4) 2SO4, 0.012; KH2PO4, 0.003 and KCl, 0.001 g / g; 105 conidia/g, at pH 2.5, 30 ° C and 96 h of incubation. We studied the toxic effect of different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/L) of the metal on the development of the fungus increased efficiency of remediation (Ef. percent). Aspergillus niger; obtained greater EF. remediation (97 percent) with respect to Penicillium expansum (95 percent) and P. islandicum (94 percent), 50 mg/L of Cr (VI)-contaminated waste. It was determined that the presence of Cr (VI) and not its concentration stimulated early maturation (48 h) of conidia (white on black) from A. niger, unless you observe alterations in the mycelium as compared to the control (72 h), developed in the pulp without the metal. In conclusion, A. niger was stronger and presented high Ef. remediation of Cr (VI) waste, this process is an alternative to physico-chemical technologies, due to the micro-organisms be removed selectively different ions from contaminated areas.

Adsorción de Cr(VI) por Cocos nucífera L. en residuales de Fibrocemento en Santiago de Cuba / Cr(VI) adsorption by Cocos nucífera L. in wastewater of fibrocement from Santiago de Cuba

La adsorción y/o formación de complejos de metales pesados basados en la actividad química de la biomasa, es el proceso conocido como biosorción y es la base de una nueva tecnología para su remoción en efluentes industriales y su posterior recuperación. En esta tecnología se pueden utilizar diferentes tipos de biomasas tales como: algas, microorganismos y sub-productos agrícolas. Este trabajo estudió la adsorción de Cr(VI) utilizando la cáscara del fruto de la planta Cocos nucífera L. como biomasa orgánica. Los valores óptimos de adsorción de Cr(VI) son: pH de 3 unidades; tamaño de partícula menor que 0,074 mm; dosis de adsorbente de 5 g.dm-3 y tiempo contacto de 1 hora. A valores bajos de concentración del metal (1,0; 1,5 y 1,84 mg.dm-3) se obtuvo porcentaje de remoción superiores a 90, sin embargo a altos valores de concentración (2,5 y 3 mg.dm-3), se obtienen valores inferiores al 90 %. El proceso pudo ser estudiado a través de los modelos de Langmuir y de Freundlich, ya que el coeficiente de correlación para ambos modelos fue de 0,994 y 0,991 respectivamente. Se logra remover los iones Cr(VI) a valores de pH de 3 y 7 unidades en una matriz real, alcanzando valores de remoción de 96,85 % y 93,71 % respectivamente.

Adsorption and/or formation of complexes of heavy metals based on the chemical activity of the biomass, it is the process known as biosorption and it is the base of a new technology for its removal in industrials effluent and its posterior recuperation. In this technology, different kinds of biomasses can be utilized such as: algae, microorganisms and agricultural subproducts. In this work, the adsorption of Cr(VI) was studied utilizing the nutshell of the fruit of the plant Cocos nucífera L as organic biomass. The optimal values of adsorption of Cr(VI) are: pH of 3 units, size of particle smaller than 0.074 mm, doses of adsorbent of 5 g.dm-3 and contact time of 1 hour. At low values of concentration of the metal (1.0, 1,5 and 1.84 mg.dm-3) percentage of removal superior to 90% were obtained, however, at high values of concentration (2.5 and 3 mg.dm-3) values inferior to 90 % are obtained. The process can be studied by the models of both, Langmuir and of Freundlich, because the , coefficient of correlation for these two models was 0.994 and 0.991 respectively. The ions Cr(VI) can be removed at values of 3 and 7 units in a real matrix, reaching removal values of 96.85% and 93.71% respectively.

Impact of environmental stress on biochemical parameters of bacteria reducing chromium

Chromium pollution is produced in connection with industrial processes like in tanneries. It has been suggested that bioremediation could be a good option for clean up. The stress effect of variable chromate levels, pHs and growth temperatures on biochemical parameters of two Cr(VI) reducing bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa Rb-1 and Ochrobactrum intermedium Rb-2 was investigated. Transmission electrone microscopy (TEM) was performed to study the intracellular distribution of Cr(VI). It was observed that initial stress of 1000 µgmL-1 caused significant enhancement of all studied biochemical parameters at pH 7.0 and growth temperature of 37 °C showing great bioremediation potential of the strains. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the distribution of chromium precipitates was not uniform as they were distributed in the cytoplasm as well as found associated with the periplasm and outer membrane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the possible involvement of carboxyl, amino, sulpohonate and hydroxyl groups present on the bacterial cell surface for the binding of Cr(VI) ions. Cr(VI) stress brought about changes in the distridution of these functional groups. It can be concluded that the investigated bacterial strains adjust well to Cr(VI) stress in terms of biochemical parameters and along that exhibited alteration in morphology.

Evaluation of in vitro Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium by Cell-Free Extract of Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201.

Aims: This study aims at to evaluate the hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] reduction potential of crude cell-free extracts of chromium resistant and reducing bacterium Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201 and determination of optimum conditions for Cr(VI) reduction for possible bioremediation of Cr pollutants. Place and Duration of Study: Chromium reduction studies with Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201, was undertaken in the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata during 2010-2012. Methodology: Cell-free extract was prepared from freshly grown cell mass of Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201 following the standard procedure. Cell mass suspended in Tris-HCl was sonicated (120 KHz for 30 min), centrifuged (12,000×g at 4ºC for 10 min) and the supernatant (S12) was used as the cell- free extract (CFE). Chromate reductase activity of the CFE was assayed colorimetrically using 1, 5-diphenylcarbazide as the complexing reagent. Results: Chromate reductase activity of CFE of Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201 was constitutive in nature and reduced Cr(VI) with decreasing efficiency as the concentration of Cr(VI) was increased. Its Km and Vmax were 263.45 M Cr(VI) and 17.5 U mg-1 protein respectively. Reduction of Cr(VI) was optimal at pH 7 and 32ºC but was extremely thermolabile. NADH was the most suitable electron donor, and the chromate reduction was enhanced by Cu(II) and Fe(III), but inhibited by Hg(II). Among the different inhibitors tested, 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) restored nearly 96.4% reductase activity, while carbonyl cyanidem- chloro phenyl hydrazone (CCCP) was most inhibitory to the process. Conclusion: It has been established that the Cr(VI) reduction potential of the cell-free extract of Arthrobacter sp. SUK 1201 is promising and could be exploited in the bioremediation of toxic hexavalent chromium.

Hexavalent chromium reduction by immobilized cells of Bacillus sphaericus AND 303

Bacillus sphaericus AND 303, a Cr(VI)-resistant and reducing bacterium reported from serpentine outcrops of Andaman was evaluated for Cr(VI) reduction using immobilized cells under batch culture. Screening of inert matrices for entrapment of whole cells indicated that polyvinyl alchohol-alginate was the most effective one reducing 87.5% of 20 µM Cr(VI) in 24 h. The rate of chromate reduction was dependent on initial Cr(VI) and biomass concentrations. The PVA cell beads were recycled three times without cell leakage and disintegration. The reduction efficiency was improved in the presence of glucose and glycerol as electron donors leading to complete reduction. However, the presence of additional metal ions was inhibitory to Cr(VI) reduction. It could be emphasized that PVA-alginate immobilized cells of B. sphaericus AND 303 could be used as a continuous bioprocess in treating Cr(VI) contaminated effluents.

Study on application of biological iron sulfide composites in treating vanadium-extraction wastewater containing chromium (VI) and chromium reclamation.

In this study, the Cr(VI)-resistant properties and regeneration characteristics of biological iron sulfide composites were investigated, which consist of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and its in situ synthesized nanosized iron sulfides. Then the application of the composites in treating vanadium-extraction wastewater containing high concentration Cr(VI) and reclaiming Cr were performed. It was found that SRB in composites still survived after being used to treat vanadium-extraction wastewater, which could reduce reaction products Fe3+ and sulphur into Fe2+ and S2- by using them as the electron acceptors and thus regenerating biological iron sulfide composites. The SRB also could be resistant to 600 mgl-1 Cr(VI) and reduce it gradually. Based on the Cr(VI)-resistant properties and regeneration characteristics of the composites, a reduction-regeneration recirculation process for treating vanadium-extraction wastewater and reclamation of Cr was developed. The results indicated that the contaminants in effluent reached the Chinese discharge standard of pollutants for vanadium industry (GB 26452-2011), i.e. the concentration of total Cr(TCr) was less than 0.912 mgl-1, Cr(VI) was less than 0.017 mgl-1 and V was less than 0.260 mgl-1. After 10 cycles of treatment, the Cr2O3 content in sludge reached 41.03%, and the ratio of Cr2O3/FeO was 7.35. The sludge reached the chemical and metallurgical (hydrometallurgy) grade of chromite ore and could be reclaimed.

Age effect on the antioxidant activity of Daphnia magna (Anomopoda: Daphniidae): Does younger mean more sensitivity.

It has been accepted that for most species newborns and senescent organisms are more sensitive than other ages to environmental stressors. Nevertheless, it must be considered that there are several biochemical and physiological compensatory processes which are not expressed with the same magnitude during the whole life cycle. With this aim, Daphnia magna individuals of different age were exposed to hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI), at two different sublethal concentrations (0.032 and 0.0064 mg l-1), and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated during most of the life cycle of this cladoceran. The antioxidant enzymatic activity showed an inverse relationship with respect to age. The activity of CAT, GR and GPx were increased in the two treated groups, at all life stages tested. On the other hand, the activity of SOD decreased in the same groups. Both, increase and decrease in the antioxidant enzymatic activities, showed significant differences with respect to the control group, being higher for the 0.032 mg l-1 group. The Cr (VI) LC50 was also estimated for these age groups, finding statistical differences among them. Even though adults exhibited higher responses, these enzymatic activity changes should not be interpreted as higher sensitivity, since the daphnids acute chromium toxicity followed a different pattern, with increasing LC50 values according to age.

Identification of bacterial strains from tannery effluent and reduction of hexavalent chromium.

Four chromium-resistant bacteria were isolated from tannery effluent collected from Burgelarab, Alexandria, Egypt. These isolates displayed different degrees of chromate reduction under aerobic conditions. Based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, two of them (S3 and S4) were identified as Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Acinetobacter sp. strain S3 was 160 mg l-1, while it was 200 mg l-1 for Pseudomonas sp. strain S4. However, strain S4 was able to reduce a wide range of Cr (VI) concentrations from 20 to 200 mg l-1; while, it was reducing 64.4% of Cr (VI) at 160 mg l-1 within 72 hr. Immobilization experiments demonstrated that strain S4 in calcium alginate gel matrix was more effective than the using of free cells in chromium reduction.

Adsorção de cromo (VI) por carvão ativado granular de soluções diluídas utilizando um sistema batelada sob pH controlado

In Amazonia, chromium is mainly used in the leather and wood industries. It is responsible for many health problems, because of its toxicity. These industries remove chromium waste by various processes, such as adsorption. This work shows the results of Cr(VI) adsorption by commercial granular activated carbon (GAC) as adsorbent from diluted solutions, and batch systems with controlled pH. The functional groups on the CAG surface was carried out by the Boehm method. In addition, effect of pH on the Cr(VI) adsorption, adsorption equilibrium, and kinetic were studied under experimental conditions (pH = 6, MA = 6g, for 90min.). On the GAC surface, carboxylic groups were found to be in higher concentrations (MAS=0,43 mmol/gCAG), which increase the Cr(VI) adsorption, principally in acidic pH values. The adsorption capacity is dependent on the pH of the solution, due to its influence on the surface properties of the CAG and different ionic forms of the Cr(VI) solutions. The adsorption equilibrium data was adjusted satisfactorily by the Langmuir isotherm (R²=0,988), favorable type. From kinetics adsorption of 20 mg/L and 5 mg/L, the results were compatible with the national legislation (Res. nº 357/05). Therefore, the experimental system using (CAG) was efficient in removing the Cr(VI) from liquid streams containing low concentrations of the metal.

Na Amazônia o cromo é empregado principalmente na indústria de couro e de madeira, sendo responsável por vários problemas de saúde porque é tóxico para os seres vivos. A remoção de cromo de efluentes industriais é feita por meio de diversos processos como a adsorção. Este trabalho mostra os resultados da adsorção de Cr(VI) por carvão ativado granular comercial (CAG) como adsorvente de soluções diluídas empregando um sistema de adsorção batelada com controle de pH. Os grupos funcionais da superfície do CAG foram determinados pelo método de Boehm. Além disso, o efeito do pH na adsorção de Cr(VI), o equilíbrio e a cinética de adsorção foram estudados nas condições experimentais (pH = 6, MA = 6g, tempo de adsorção 90min.). Na superfície do CAG, os grupos carboxílicos foram determinados em maior concentração (MAS=0,43 mmol/gCAG), estes, presentes em concentrações elevadas aumentam a adsorção do metal, principalmente em valores de pH ácidos. A capacidade de adsorção é dependente do pH da solução, devido a sua influência nas propriedades de superfície do CAG e nas diferentes formas iônicas das soluções de Cr(VI). Os dados de equilíbrio da adsorção foram ajustados satisfatoriamente pela isoterma de Langmuir (R²=0,988), tipo favorável. A partir da cinética de adsorção a 5mg/L e 20mg/L, os resultados obtidos foram compatíveis com o valor limite preconizado na legislação nacional (Res. nº 357/05). Portanto, para o sistema experimental utilizando CAG foi eficiente na remoção de Cr(VI) a partir de correntes líquidas contendo baixas concentrações do metal.

Remoción de crooo vi de soluciones acuosas por adsorción sobre carbones activados modificados / Reoval of cromiuum (vi) from aqueous solutions over modified activated aarbons / Remoão de crómioo vi de soluções aqusas por adsorção em carvões acttivados modificados

En este trabajo se determina la adsorción de Cr6+ de disoluciones acuosas en dos carbones activados comerciales en función del grado de modificación (reducción, oxidación) de la superficie de los adsorbentes, con tratamientos térmicos en presencia de hidrógeno, oxígeno y ácido nítrico. La química superficial de los carbones activados originales y modificados se examina por los métodos de titulaciones de Böehm y descomposición con temperatura programada (DTP). Los ensayos de evaluación de la capacidad de adsorción se realizan con soluciones modelo de ión cromato y bajo distintas condiciones de concentración inicial, tiempo de contacto, pH del medio, temperatura y masa de adsorbente. Se comprueba que la modificación de la superficie de los adsorbentes afecta el grado de adsorción del ión cromato en la medida en que los sólidos tratados con H2 muestran la mayor capacidad de remoción. Las variables que afectan favorablemente la extensión de la remoción de cromo son: concentración inicial de 100 ppm, pH inicial de 2,0, temperatura de 25 °C y masa de adsorbente de 100 mg.

In this work, the influence of the degree of surface modification of activated carbons in the adsorption of Cr6+ from aqueous solution was determined modifying two commercial activated carbons by thermal oxidative and reductive treatments (oxygen or nitric acid and hydrogen, respectively). The surface chemistry of the original and modified activated carbons was examined by Böehm’s titrationand thermal programmed decomposition (TPD). The adsorption capacities were tested with model solutions of chromate ion, and under different initial concentrations, contact times, pH, temperature and adsorbent mass. The surface chemistry modifications showed that they have an important influence in the adsorption capacity of the activated carbons, being the hydrogen modified carbons the best for the chromate ion adsorption. The conditions that presented the maximum adsorption capacity were: initial concentration of 100 ppm, initial pH of 2.0, temperature of 25°C and adsorbent mass of 100 mg.

Neste trabalho estudou-se a adsorção de Cr6+ de soluções aquosas em dois carvões activados comerciais em função do grau de modificação (redução, oxidação) da superfície dos adsorventes com tratamentos térmicos na presença de hidrogénio, oxigénio e ácido nítrico. A química superficial dos carvões activados originais e modificados foi examinada pelos métodos de titulação de Böehm e de decomposição a temperatura programada (DTP). Os ensaios de avaliação da capacidade de adsorção realizaram-se com soluções modelo de ião cromato sob diferentes condições de concentração inicial, tempo de contacto, pH do meio, temperatura e massa de adsorvente. Comprovou-se que a modificação da superfície dos adsorventes afecta a extensão da adsorção do ião cromato, sendo que os sólidos tratados com H2 mostram a maior capacidade de remoção. As variáveis que afectam favoravelmente a extensão da remoção do crómio são: concentração inicial de 100 ppm, pH inicial de 2.0, temperatura de 25ºC e massa de adsorvente de 100 mg.