VIDHYA K. AND M. JOB GOPINATH
Abstract
Chromium contamination can alter genetic materials and cause hazardous health effect in life. Bio absorption method relies on the ability of biological materials to remove the heavy metals by binding metal in various ways. The bio-adsorbents consist of dead and metabolically inactive cells. The residues of banana peels can be processed and converted to be adsorbents because they have large surface areas, high swelling capacities, excellent mechanical strengths, and are convenient to use and have great potential to adsorb harmful contaminants such as heavy metals. In the present study, contaminated water was treated using the powdered peels of Musa parasidiaca, then the physico-chemical factors and the amount of chromium before and after treatment were compared in relation to winter and summer. The amount of heavy metal chromium concentration was reduced drastically. Based on the results obtained the peels of Musa parasidiaca is proved to be a low cost and effective bio-adsorbent in bioremediation of chromium.