Abstract

The present study aimed at removing chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) from high speed diesel and motor gasoline samples using wood powder of Dalbergia sissoo. Physical parameters of the samples, such as colour, density, specific gravity viscosity, refractive index, specific refractive index, electronic polarizibility, dipole moment and volatile contents were measured using standard methods before and after the removal of the metals to gauge the fuel values of high speed diesel and motor gasoline samples. According to the results obtained, no significant change in the values of high speed diesel and motor gasoline samples was observed, which indicates that the fuel values are unaffected by the decontamination process. Partial digestion method using aqueous nitric acid (HNO₃) solution was used for decontamination. The effects of acid concentration, stirring time and oil to acid ratio, on decontamination were also studied. It was found that 2 M aqueous HNO₃ solution in 1:10 (v/v) oil : acid solution ratio with stirring time of 2 h is sufficient to remove maximum of Cr, Ni and Zn. As regards the effect of pH and time on decontamination, it was found that pH 1 for Cr, Ni and pH 5 for Zn with 45 min stirring time can bring maximum metal to the solution.

Key words: Adsorption, heavy metals, high speed diesel, motor gasoline, Dalbergia sissoo wood powder.