Removal of nickel ions from industrial plating effluents using activated alumina as adsorbent.

Removal of nickel ions from industrial effluents has been studied using activated alumina prepared by the galvanic oxidation of aluminum metal at ambient temperature as the adsorbent. The effect of various factors, such as initial concentration of nickel, contact time, dose of adsorbent and pH of the solution has been investigated. Batch and column type of adsorption studies have been made. The results indicate that the adsorption process is favored at pH 9. The adsorption data were fitted with suitable adsorption isotherm. The optimum conditions for the best adsorption have been evaluated for the following factors: dosage, contact time, pH, initial concentration of nickel ions and temperature. The process of regeneration of the adsorbent has also been studied.