DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/23448393.23141Published:
2025-11-13Issue:
Vol. 30 No. 3 (2025): September-DecemberSection:
Environmental EngineeringUse of Computational Tools in the Modeling of Columns for Cr(VI) Adsorption in Wastewater by Means of Theobroma cacao L.
Uso de herramientas computacionales en el modelado de columnas para la adsorción de Cr(VI) en aguas residuales utilizando Theobroma cacao L.
Keywords:
Waste biomass, Adsorption column, Chromium (VI), Simulation, Water treatment, Wastewater treatment (en).Keywords:
Biomasa residual, Columna de adsorción, Cromo (VI), Simulación, Tratamiento de Aguas (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Context: Industrial growth and various anthropogenic activities have generated multiple pollutants, including heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI), which pose a major threat to both humans and the environment, as their characteristics make them persistent, bioaccumulative, and non-biodegradable.
Method: In this paper, computer-aided process engineering (CAPE) was used to simulate an industrial-scale adsorption column packed with a biomass based on cocoa husk residues for the removal of Cr(VI) in solution. A parametric sensitivity analysis was conducted, using Aspen Adsorption as a simulation tool to analyze different column configurations.
Results: The Freundlich isothermal model, in combination with the linear driving force (LDF) kinetic model, yielded efficient results in removing Cr(VI) via adsorption, with values of up to 97.1%. The best operating conditions included an initial concentration of 5000 mg/L, a bed height of 5 m, and an inlet flow rate of 100 m3/day.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of computational assistance holds great potential for predicting the performance of an adsorption column packed with agro-industrial waste, which constitutes a safe and cost-effective alternative for the design and modeling of industrial-scale columns.
Abstract (es)
Contexto: El crecimiento industrial y diversas actividades antropogénicas han generado múltiples contaminantes, entre los que se encuentran metales pesados como el cromo hexavalente, o Cr(VI), los cuales representan una amenaza significativa tanto para el medio ambiente como para el ser humano, pues sus características los hacen persistentes, bioacumulativos y no biodegradables.
Método: En este artículo se empleó la ingeniería de procesos asistida por ordenador (CAPE) para simular una columna de adsorción a escala industrial llena de biomasa a base de residuos de cáscara de cacao para la eliminación de Cr(VI) en solución. Se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad paramétrica, utilizando Aspen Adsorption como herramienta de simulación para analizar diferentes configuraciones de la columna.
Resultados: El modelo isotérmico de Freundlich, junto con el modelo cinético de fuerza motriz lineal (LDF) arrojó resultados eficientes en la remoción de Cr(VI) mediante adsorción, con valores de hasta 97.1 %. Las mejores condiciones de operación incluyeron una concentración inicial de 5000 mg/l, una altura del lecho de 5 m y un caudal de entrada de 100 m3/día.
Conclusiones: Este estudio demuestra que el uso de la asistencia computacional tiene gran potencial para predecir el rendimiento de una columna de adsorción llena de residuos agroindustriales, constituyéndose en una alternativa segura y rentable para el diseño y modelado de columnas a escala industrial.
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