Valorization and optimization of Pistachio Shell Biochar for Sustainable Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)]

Smriti Yadav; Nikita Kundu; Ananya Bhattacharya; G.K. Aseri; Kasturi Dutta; Neelam Jain

doi:10.18006/2025.13(2).229.238

Authors

Smriti Yadav Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002 https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5520-2952
Nikita Kundu Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002 https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4420-0657
Ananya Bhattacharya Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7140-6823
G.K. Aseri Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7003-639X
Kasturi Dutta Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, 769008 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7233-4155
Neelam Jain Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1471-7419

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2025.13(2).229.238

Keywords:

Pistachio shell, Biochar valorization, Hexavalent chromium, Sustainable biosorption

Abstract

In the leather tanning industry, wastewater often contains hazardous hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)]. Adsorption is recognized as an effective method for treating this type of wastewater. However, commercial adsorbents can be costly. This study explores the conversion of pistachio shells into biochar as a cost-effective and reusable adsorbent for chromium removal. The results showed that pistachio shell biochar (PSB) effectively removed up to 400 mg L⁻¹ of Cr(Ⅵ) at a pH of 4, with a contact time of 50 hours and a biochar concentration of 1.2 g L⁻¹. Batch studies indicated that adsorption efficiency depends on pH, biochar dosage, chromium concentration, and contact time. FT-IR analysis identified key adsorption sites for chromium, while SEM images displayed multiple attachment locations. These findings confirm the potential of PSB as an efficient, sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach for chromium remediation.

Author Biographies

Smriti Yadav, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Nikita Kundu, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Ananya Bhattacharya, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

G.K. Aseri, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Kasturi Dutta, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, 769008

Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, 769008

Neelam Jain, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303002

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