VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELAGAVI

Ph.D. Progress Report III for the period July to December 2018

On
Optimization of batch adsorption and column studies on removal of heavy
metals from waste water using modified biopolymers as adsorbents

Submitted

Towards Partial Fulfillment for the Award of Degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
Chemical Engineering
By
Mahesha Kumar
[USN: 1SI17PGA06]

Under the guidance of

Dr. Jagadish H Patil
Associate Professor,
Department of Chemical Engg
RVCE, Bengaluru
Dr. S Murthyshekhar
Professor and Head,
Department of Chemical Engg
SIT, Tumkur

Research Centre
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur - 572103
Work carried out:
1. Progress of the literature work and course work completion.
2. Experimental work on removal of chromium(VI)
3. Effects of adsorption metrics on degradation of Cr(VI)

METHODOLOGY:

Many biological, physical and chemical methods have been used for wastewater treatment. The
type of the process to be employed may depend on the nature of pollutant. Conventional metal
removal techniques such as reverse osmosis, solvent extraction, lime coagulation and ion
exchange methods are encountered with certain major disadvantages such as high energy
requirements, incomplete removal and generation of large quantity of toxic waste sludge due to
various reagents used in a series of treatments.

Adsorption
Adsorption is a process that occurs when a gas or liquid solute accumulates on the surface of a
solid or a liquid (adsorbent), forming a molecular or atomic film (the adsorbate). Adsorption is
operative in most natural physical, biological, and chemical systems, and is widely used in
industrial applications such as volatile organic compound, waste water treatment, purification of
gases. Adsorption is currently considered to be very suitable for wastewater treatment because of
its simplicity and cost effectiveness.
 Commercially produced biopolymer powders are taken and immobilized.
 A comparative batch adsorption studies for removal of heavy metals are done using
biopolymers and immobilized biopolymers.
 The amount of removal are studied by varying factors like pH, concentration, contact
time and adsorption dosage.
 Using the data, batch kinetic and isotherm studies are done.
Candidate Name Mahesha Kumar

Guide Name Dr. Jagadish H Patil

Co Guide Name Dr. S Murthyshekhar

USN ISI17PGA06

Research Area Waste water treatment

Research Centre Siddaganga Institute of technology, Tumkur

Course PhD Chemical Engineering

Registration Date 18 MAY 2017

“Optimization of batch adsorption and column studies on removal

Research Topic of heavy metals from waste water using modified biopolymers as
adsorbents”
Course Work Subject
cleared Research methodology

Signature of the Candidate Signature of the Co Guide Signature of the Guide

Signature of the Head of the Research centre Signature of the Doctoral Committee