Removal of Chromium Metal through the Peels of Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lemon (Citrus limon) and Musami (Citrus limetta) by Biosorption Technique

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Abstract
Industrial discharge of chromium (Cr) into water bodies poses serious environmental and health risks due to its toxicity, particularly in the hexavalent form (Cr(VI)). This study investigated the biosorption potential of citrus fruit peels orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), and musami (Citrus limetta) as low-cost biosorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Dried and powdered peels were used in batch experiments at initial chromium concentrations of 75 and 100 ppm with contact times of 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Chromium removal was quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). All biosorbents showed effective chromium uptake, with biosorption increasing with contact time and metal concentration. Musami peel exhibited the highest removal efficiency, followed by lemon and orange peels. The results demonstrate that citrus peel waste is an economical and environmentally friendly option for chromium remediation in contaminated water.