ABSTRACT
Removal of toxic heavy metal contaminants from industrial wastewater discharges (IWD) is one of the most important environmental issues facing society today. Such pollutants do not degrade biologically, and they also accumulate in the food chain. Chromium contamination of water, especially Cr(VI), its most toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic form, is a persistent and serious global threat to human health and natural water resources. There is an urgent need for effective low-cost techniques for chromium removal from IWD, in particular since operating costs are increasing, and as environmental laws become more stringent. Sorption technology appears to be the most promising, eco-friendly and economically suitable alternative to control this problem. This chapter highlights environmental issues of chromium in IWD, assesses the use of low-cost sorbents for removal of this pollutant, and analyses risk management with regards to pollutant removal and the protection of human and environmental health.
