Using Ferrous Ion for the Reductive Degradation of Hexavalent Chromium

Jude O. Ighere, Karina Honjoya, Ramesh C. Chawla

Chemical Engineering Department, Howard University, Washington DC, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/aces.2015.51002                

Abstract

This paper discusses the toxicity and mobility of chromium species. And it presents the extent and kinetics of reductive remediation of hexavalent chromium, Cr⁺ using ferrous ion, Fe²⁺. Molar ratios of 1:3 and 1:6 of Cr (VI) to Fe (II) were used. Integral method of data analysis showed reaction followed second-order kinetics with R square values near unity. Reaction was initially fast but with a rapid precipitation attributed to Cr (III)-Fe (III) in previous studies. This colloidal precipitate ultimately stops the reaction, which explains while conversion efficiency increases with increased molar ratio of Cr (VI) to Fe (II). The impact of pH was investigated by adjusting the Cr (VI)-Fe (II) medium to pH 2.78, 5.24, 7.00, 9.00 and 11.96 using predetermined drops of acid or base. Reaction was more rapid under alkaline conditions with higher extent of degradation consistent with previous research. In soil system, mass transfer limitation was hardly noticed as high extent of reduction was recorded relative to aqueous phase. The high solubility of Cr (VI) aided the release into the aqueous media for reduction by ferrous sulfate.

Keywords

Reduction, Hexavalent, Trivalent Chromium, Remediation, Degradation, Ferrous Ion, Kinetics

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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