Removal of chromium from abrasive blast media by leaching and electrochemical precipitation

Water is effective in leaching out Cr6+ from a mixture of paint powders and abrasive blast media. However, acids such as HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4 significantly enhance the leaching procedure. Cr ions in the leaching solutions are successfully removed by electrochemical precipitation. The consumable Fe electrodes generate ferrous ions to cause the reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+. Cr3+ ions along with Fe2+ and Fe3+ are then removed mainly by precipitation as Cr(OH)3, Fe(OH)2, and Fe(OH)3 near the cathode where OH- ions are generated by water electrolysis. The electrochemical process is capable of discharging low levels of Cr6+, less than 1 mg/L, without pH adjustment.     

Investigation of the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) in groundwater using activated carbon and cast iron combined system

Zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) has been widely used for Cr(VI) removal; however, the removal mechanisms of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution under complex hydrogeochemical conditions were poorly understood. In this research, the mixed materials containing cast iron and activated carbon were packed in columns for the treatment of aqueous Cr(VI)-Cr(III) in groundwater with high concentration of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ⁻, NO₃ ⁻, and SO₄ ²⁻. We investigate the influences of those ions on Cr(VI) removal, especially emphasizing on the reaction mechanisms and associated precipitations which may lead to porosity loss by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results show that the precipitations accumulated on the material surface were (Fe/Cr) (oxy)hydroxide, mixed Fe(III)-Cr(III) (oxy)hydroxides, Fe₂O₃, CaCO₃, and MgCO₃. During these reactions, the Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) coupled with the oxidated Fe⁰ to Fe(II) through the galvanic corrosion formed by the Fe⁰-C and/or the direct electron transfer between Fe⁰ and Cr(VI). In addition, Cr(VI) could be reduced by aqueous Fe(II), which dominated the whole removal efficiency. The primary aqueous Cr(III) was completely removed together with Cr(III) reduced from Cr(VI) even when Cr(VI) was detected in the effluent, which meant that the aqueous Cr(III) could occupy the adsorption sites. In general, the combined system was useful for the Cr(VI)-Cr(III) treatment based on galvanic corrosion, and the hardness ions had a negative effect on Cr(VI) removal by forming the carbonates which might promote the passivation of materials and decrease the removal capacity of the system.

     

Chemical characteristics of precipitation at metropolitan Newark in the US East Coast

To investigate the chemical characteristics of precipitation in the polluted coastal atmosphere, a total of 46 event-based precipitation samples were collected using a wet-only automatic precipitation collector from September 2006 to October 2007 at metropolitan Newark, New Jersey in the US East Coast. Samples were analyzed by ion chromatography for the concentrations of major inorganic ions (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, F⁻, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and organic acid species (CH₃COO⁻, HCOO⁻, CH₂(COO)₂²⁻, C₂O₄²⁻). Selected trace metals (Sb, Pb, Al, V, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd) in samples were determined by ICPMS. Mass concentration results show that SO₄²⁻ was the most dominant anion accounting for 51% of the total anions, controlling the acidity of the precipitation. NH₄⁺ accounted for 48.6% of the total cations, dominating the precipitation neutralization. CH₃COO⁻ and HCOO⁻ were the two dominant water-soluble organic acid species, accounting for 42% and 40% of the total organic acids analyzed, respectively. Al, Zn and Fe were the three major trace metals in precipitation, accounting for 34%, 27%, and 25% of the total mass of metals analyzed. The pH values in precipitation ranged from 4.4 to 4.9, indicating an acidic nature. Enrichment Factor (EF) Analysis showed that Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ in the precipitation were primarily of marine origin, while most of the Fe, Co and Al were from crust sources. Pb, V, Cr, Ni were moderately enriched with EFs ranging 43–410, while Zn, Sb, Cu, Cd and F⁻ were highly enriched with EFs > 700, indicating significant anthropogenic influences. Factor analysis suggests 6 major sources contributing to the observed composition of precipitation at this location: (1) nitrogen-enriched soil, (2) secondary pollution processes, (3) marine sources, (4) incinerations, (5) oil combustions, and (6) malonate–vanadium enriched sources. To further explore the source–precipitation event relationships and seasonality, cluster analysis was performed for all precipitation events. Results show that about half of the precipitation events were characterized by mixed sources. Significant influences of nitrogen-enriched soil and marine sources were associated with precipitation events in spring and autumn, while secondary pollution processes, incineration and oil combustion contributed greatly in summer.     

金属铁去除水中Cr6+的影响因素研究

研究Fe/Cr6+比值和不同浓度的NO3-、Cl-和SO42-对金属铁去除Cr6+效果的影响.结果表明,金属铁对水中Cr6+有很好的还原去除效果;当金属铁的使用量为Cr6+量的1/2000时,铁对Cr6+的去除效果较差且易失去活性,而当金属铁的使用量为Cr6+量的8 000倍时,铁对Cr6+的去除效果较好且其活性的持续...     

Selective removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by adsorption on mangosteen peel

Mangosteen peel, rich in polyphenolic compounds, was used to prepare the adsorbent exhibiting highly selective adsorption for Cr(VI) over other metal ions such as Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Cr³⁺ at the pH values of 1～4. The chemical modification method proposed by using calcium hydroxide is quite cost-effective and ecofriendly without using any toxic reagents or causing any secondary pollution. The adsorption isotherm results revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) on the gel fit well the Langmuir adsorption model, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) at pH levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 was evaluated to be 2.46, 2.44, 1.99, and 2.14 mol/kg, respectively. The adsorption mechanism for Cr(VI) on the saponified gel was verified to follow an esterifiaction reaction coupled with the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in which H⁺ plays a role of promoter. Thus, modified mangosteen peel gel has the prominent selectivity and low cost for Cr(VI) removal.     

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic Fe3O4@CaSiO3 composites and evaluation of their adsorption characteristics for heavy metal ions

A two-component material (Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃) with an Fe₃O₄ magnetite core and layered porous CaSiO₃ shell from calcium nitrate and sodium silicate was synthesized by precipitation. The structure, morphology, magnetic properties, and composition of the Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃ composite were characterized in detail, and its adsorption performance, adsorption kinetics, and recyclability for Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cr³⁺ adsorption were studied. The Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃ composite has a 2D core–layer architecture with a cotton-like morphology, specific surface area of 41.56 m²/g, pore size of 16 nm, and pore volume of 0.25 cm³/g. The measured magnetization saturation values of the magnetic composite were 57.1 emu/g. Data of the adsorption of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cr³⁺ by Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃ fitted the Redlich–Peterson and pseudo-second-order models well, and all adsorption processes reached equilibrium within 150 min. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃ toward Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cr³⁺ were 427.10, 391.59, and 371.39 mg/g at an initial concentration of 225 mg/L and a temperature of 293 K according to the fitted curve with the Redlich–Peterson model, respectively. All adsorption were spontaneous endothermic processes featuring an entropy increase, including physisorption, chemisorption, and ion exchange; among these process, chemisorption was the primary mechanism. Fe₃O₄@CaSiO₃ exhibited excellent adsorption, regeneration, and magnetic separation performance, thereby demonstrating its potential applicability to removing heavy metal ions.

     

Superior photodecomposition of pyrene by metal ion-loaded TiO2 catalyst under UV light irradiation

Background

The photocatalytic degradation of pyrene under UV (125?W Hg-Arc, 10.4?mW/cm²) irradiation of TiO₂ aqueous suspension has been found to be highly improved with the dissolved transition metal ions like Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ag⁺, and Au³⁺, etc. As the reduction potential of these metals lies below the conduction band (CB) position (?0.1?eV) of TiO₂, the photoexcited electron transfer occurs more readily and reduces electron?Chole recombination rate. Therefore, it has a beneficial influence on the photocatalytic ability of TiO₂ because of rapid Fermi energy equilibrium between the CB of TiO₂ and its surface adsorbed metal ions.

Results and discussion

The Fermi level is referred to as the electrochemical potential and plays an important role in the band theory of solids. When metal and semiconductor are in contact, electron migration from photoirradiated semiconductor to the deposited metal occurs at the interface until two Fermi levels equilibrate and enhanced the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalyst. Ni²⁺ having more negative reduction potential (?0.25?eV) than the CB of TiO₂ imparts negligible co-catalytic activity to TiO₂ photoreaction. It also revealed that loading of Au³⁺ ions displayed higher degradation rate of pyrene than Au photodeposition. Furthermore, when the amount of dissolved Fe⁺³ and Au³⁺ ions gradually increases from 0.1 to 2?wt.%, the pyrene photodecomposition rate also become faster.     

Superior Pillared Clay Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides for Power Plant Emission Control

ABSTRACT

Fe³+-, Cr³+-, Cu²+-, Mn²+-, Co²+-, and Ni²+-exchanged Al₂O₃-pillared interlayer clay (PILC) or TiO₂-PILC catalysts are investigated for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide by ammonia in the presence of excess oxygen. Fe³+-exchanged pillared clay is found to be the most active. The catalytic activity of Fe-TiO₂-PILC could be further improved by the addition of a small amount of cerium ions or cerium oxide. H₂O and SO₂ increase both the activity and the product selectivity to N₂. The maximum activity on the Ce-Fe-TiO₂-PILC is more than 3 times as active as that on a vanadium catalyst. Moreover, compared to the V₂O₅-WO₃/TiO₂ catalyst, the Fe-TiO₂-PILC catalysts show higher N₂/N₂O product selectivities and substantially lower activities (by ~85%) for SO₂ oxidation to SO₃ under the same reaction conditions. A 100-hr run in the presence of H₂O and SO₂ for the CeO₂/Fe-TiO₂-PILC catalyst showed no decrease in activity.     

Time Trends and Seasonal Variation of the Rainwater Chemical Composition in Spain

Abstract

A multiple regression model was used to describe temporal variations of the concentrations of H⁺, SO₄ ^{2 -}, NO₃ ^- and NH₄ ⁺ in Spanish rainwater. The model included the effects of linear trend, annual cycle, and precipitation quantity simultaneously.

The model fit very well for SO₄ ^{2 -} and NO₃ ^-, with statistical evidence of annual cycle and effect of precipitation quantity for these two ions and for NH₄ ⁺, but not for H⁺. There is no trend for any ion, with the single exception of a decreasing trend for H⁺ in one of the stations used.     

Identification of sources of pollutants in precipitation measured at the mid-Atlantic US coast using potential source contribution function (PSCF)

Potential source contribution function (PSCF) was employed to study the source receptor relationships for 14 chemical species (Mn, SO₄²⁻, Zn, Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, NO₃, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺,and Pb) found in precipitation collected at Lewes, Delaware. This study identified areas of the Eastern United States as possible emission source areas that could have contributed to the 14 element concentrations observed at Lewes. The identified regions in the Eastern United States generally coincide well with known emission source areas. The likely emission sources for these chemical species include oil- and coal-fired power plants, incinerators, motor vehicles, and iron and steel mills.     

Canopy leaching of nutrients and metals in a mountain spruce forest

Precipitation and throughfall fluxes of major ions, nutrients (C, N, P), and metals (Al, Fe, Mn), and the chemical composition of litter fall and living plant tissue in Norway spruce stands (the Bohemian Forest; Czech Republic), were used to evaluate how microbial processes and decay of plant tissue in canopies influence canopy leaching (CL) of elements. Proton exchange for Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺ in decaying biomass and co-transport of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ out of plant cells with organic acid anions were the most likely processes contributing to CL of base cations. The CL of total P and N (and also NO₃^?) was minor. Important proportions of the N and P mineral forms were transformed to organic forms by microbial processes (primary and bacterial production), with the respective CL of ?13.9 and 16.4 mmol m^?2 yr^?1 for NH₄⁺ and organic N, and ?0.33 and 0.22 mmol m^?2 yr^?1 for dissolved reactive P (DRP) and organic P. Most of particulate P and N in throughfall (～90%) originated from microbial DRP and NH₄⁺ transformations, but particulate C mostly came from the fragmentation of plant tissue (58%). Among metals, CL was not observed for Al, was small for Fe (0.3 mmol m^?2 yr^?1), and greatest for Mn (0.9 mmol m^?2 yr^?1) due to leaching from decaying tissue by acidic precipitation.     

Ionic composition of precipitation at the Central Anatolia (Turkey)

Concentrations of major ions, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, H⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and conductivity were measured in approximately 300 daily, wet-only rain samples collected at a permanent rural station between 1993 and 1998. Concentrations of anthropogenic ions NH₄⁺, SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ were among the highest values reported in whole EMEP network, suggesting that the Anatolian plateau is under strong influence of distant emission sources. Although transport of pollutants have significant influence on the chemical composition of precipitation, average pH of the rainwater is 6.2 due to extensive neutralization of acidity. Approximately 95% of the acidity in collected samples is neutralized, particularly in summer season. The neutralizing agents are primarily CaCO₃ and NH₃. Concentrations of crustal ions are higher in summer season due to enhanced resuspension of soil particles from dry surface soil. Concentrations of anthropogenic ions SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ do not change significantly between summer and winter due to higher intensity of rains in summer season. Although concentrations of ions measured in this study is among the highest reported in EMEP network, wet deposition fluxes are low compared to flux values reported for similar sites in Europe, due to low annual precipitation in the Anatolia. Wet deposition fluxes of all measured parameters are highly episodic. Source regions affecting chemical composition precipitation in the Central Anatolia is investigated using trajectory statistics.     

Incinerating Volatile Organic Compounds with Ferrospinel Catalyst MnFe2O4: An Example with Isopropyl Alcohol

Abstract

This paper concerns the incineration of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) using the ferrospinel catalyst MnFe₂O₄. It covers the preparation of the ferrospinel catalyst, the screening of catalytic activity, catalytic incineration testing, and 72-hr decay testing of the catalyst. The experimental results of catalyst screening reveal that the Mn/Fe catalyst is the best of five prepared catalysts (chromium/iron [Cr/Fe], manganese/iron [Mn/Fe], zinc/iron [Zn/Fe], nickel/iron [Ni/Fe], and pure magnetite [Fe₃O₄]). In tests of the catalytic incineration system used to convert IPA, 98% conversion was obtained at a space velocity of 24,000 hr^?1, an oxygen (O₂) content of 21%, 1700 ppm of IPA, and a reaction temperature of 200 °C.     

Multivariate Space Analysis of the Major Precipitation Ions over Europe, 1986–1997

ABSTRACT

The annual average concentrations (1986–1997) of the major ions SO₄ ^2-, NO₃ ^-, Cl^-, NH₄+, Na+, Mg²+, Ca²+, and K+ in precipitation are analyzed for selected EMEP stations. The objective is to determine the ion patterns or typologies in precipitation by principal component analysis (PCA) combined with a cluster analysis. SO₄ ^2- and NO₃ ^- ions are predominant in central and eastern Europe. This area corresponds to high emissions of SO₂ and NO₂. Sea spray ions are predominant in coastal sites. The soil components show an important contribution in southern Europe, possibly due to the soil dust transported from northern Africa.     

Recycling of iron and silicon from drinking water treatment sludge for synthesis of magnetic iron oxide@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composites

More attention has been paid to the deterioration of water bodies polluted by drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) in recent years. It is important to develop methods to effectively treat DWTS by avoiding secondary pollution. We report herein a novel investigation for recovery of Si and Fe from DWTS, which are used for the synthesis of two iron oxide@SiO₂ composites for adsorption of reactive red X-3B (RRX-3B) and NaNO₂. The results show that Fe³⁺ (acid-leaching) and Si⁴⁺ (basic-leaching) can be successfully recovered from roasted DWTS. Whether to dissolve Fe(OH)₃ precipitation is the key point for obtaining Fe₃O₄ or γ-Fe₂O₃ particles using the solvothermal method. The magnetic characteristics of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ (390.0 m² g^?1) or Fe₂O₃@SiO₂ (220.9 m² g^?1) are slightly influenced by the coated porous SiO₂ layer. Peaks of Fe–O stretching vibration (580 cm^?1) and asymmetric Si–O–Si stretching vibrations (1080 cm^?1) of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ indicate the successful coating of a thin silica layer (20–150 nm). The adsorption capacity of RRX-3B and NaNO₂ by Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ is better than that of Fe₂O₃@SiO₂, and both composites can be recycled through an external magnetic field. This method is an efficient and environmentally friendly method for recycling DWTS.     

Use of amendments to reduce leaching loss of phosphorus and other nutrients from a sandy soil in Florida

Goal, Scope and Background Transport of P from agricultural land contributes to the eutrophication of surface waters. Soil amendment is considered one of the best management practices (BMPs) to reduce P loss from sandy soils. Laboratory column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different soil amendments in reducing P leaching from a typical sandy soil in Florida. Methods The tested amendments were CaCl₂, CaCO₃, Al(OH)₃, cellulose, and mill mud, and applied at the rate of 15 g/kg for a single amendment and each 7.5 g/kg if two amendments were combined. Leaching was conducted every four days for 32 days, 250 mL of deionized water being leached for each column per leaching event. Leachates were collected from each leaching event and analyzed for reactive P, PO₄-P, and macro and micro-elements. Results and Discussion Except for the soils amended with CaCl₂, or CaCl₂+CaCO₃, reactive P and PO₄-P leaching losses mainly occurred in the first three leaching events. Phosphorus leaching from the soils amended with CaCl₂ or CaCl₂+CaCO₃ was less but more persistent than that of other amendments. Reactive Pleaching loss was reduced by 36.0% and 40.4% for the amendments of CaCl₂, and CaCl₂+CaCO₃, respectively, as compared with chemical fertilizer alone, and the corresponding values for PO₄-P were 70.8% and 71.9%. The concentrations of K, Mg, Cu, and Fe in leachate were also decreased by CaCl₂ or CaCl₂+CaCO₃ amendment. Among the seven amendments, CaCl₂, CaCO₃, or their combination were most effective in reducing P leaching from the sandy soil, followed by cellulose and Al(OH)₃, the effects of mill mud and mill mud + Al(OH)₃ were marginal. Conclusions These results indicate that the use of CaCl₂, CaCO₃, or their combination can significantly reduce P leaching from sandy soil, and should be considered in the development of BMPs for the sandy soil regions. Recommendations and Outlook Most agricultural soils in south Florida are very sandy with minimal holding capacities for moisture and nutrients. Repeated application of fertilizer is necessary to sustain desired yield of crops on these soils. However, eutrophication of fresh water systems in this area has been increasingly concerned by the public. Losses of P from agricultural fields by means of leaching and surface runoff are suspected as one of the important non-point contamination sources. The benefits and effectiveness of soil amendment in reducing P losses from cropping production systems while sustaining desired crop yield need to be demonstrated. Calcium chloride, CaCO₃, or their combination significantly reduce Pleaching from sandy soil, and should be considered in the development of BMPs for the sandy soil regions.     

3种含铁材料对重金属和砷复合污染底泥稳定化处理

选用3种含铁材料FeCl3、Fe(OH)3和FePO4,开展重金属和砷(As)复合污染底泥的稳定化处理实验,并用毒性浸出测试(TCLP)的结果和底泥交换态重金属(Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn)及As的含量来评价其稳定化效果。结果表明,(1)FeCl3和FePO4降低了底泥pH值,Fe(OH)3轻微地提高了底泥pH值。(2)FeCl3活化了底泥中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn,使其浸出量和交换态含量增加,对As浸出量的影响不大,但使底泥中As交换态含量明显降低,且在最大添加量(8.00 g/kg)时As交换态含量未检测出;Fe(OH)3降低了Cd交换态和浸出量,稍增加了As交换态和浸出量,但对Pb、Cu、Zn交换态和浸出量影响不明显;FePO4明显降低了Pb的浸出量和交换态含量,略微降低了交换态Cd、Zn含量,对交换态Cu影响不大,但明显增加了As的浸出量和交换态含量。综上,FeCl3对As具有较好的稳定化效果,但明显活化了底泥中的4种重金属;Fe(OH)3亦对底泥中Cd有一定稳定化效果;FePO4对Pb的稳定化效果较好,但明显活化了底泥中的As。显然,3种含铁材料都不能实现底泥中重金属和As的同时稳定化。     

Chemical composition of the fine and coarse fraction of aerosols in the northeastern Mediterranean

Two-stage aerosol samples (PM_10–2.5 and PM_2.5) were collected at a coastal rural site located in the northeastern Mediterranean, between April 2001 and 2002. A total of 562 aerosol samples were analyzed for trace elements (Fe, Ti, Mn, Ca, V, Ni, Zn, Cr) and water-soluble ions (Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, C₂O₄²⁻ and MS⁻:methane sulfonate). PM₁₀, crustal elements, sea salt aerosols and NO₃⁻ were mainly associated with the coarse mode whereas non-sea salt (nss)SO₄²⁻, C₂O₄²⁻; MS⁻, NH₄⁺, Cr and Ni were found predominantly in the fine fraction. Concentrations of aerosol species exhibited orders of magnitude change from day to day and the aerosol chemical composition is heavily affected by dust events under the influence of airflow from North Africa. During the sampling period, 11 specific mineral dust events of duration varying from 1 day to a week have been identified and their influence on the chemical composition of aerosols has been studied in detail. Ionic balance analysis performed in the coarse and fine aerosol fractions indicated anion and cation deficiency due to CO₃²⁻ and H⁺, respectively. A relationship between nssSO₄²⁻ and NH₄⁺ denoted that sulfate particles were partially neutralized (70%) by ammonium. Excess-K/BC presented two distinct ratios for winter and summer, indicating two different sources: fossil fuel burning in winter and biomass burning in summer.     

Chromium Analysis at a Ferrochrome Smelter,a Chemical Plant and a Refractory Brick Plant

Techniques were developed to sample and analyze the Cr content of participate samples with emphasis on determining the concentration of the carcinogen Cr⁺⁶. Cr⁺⁶ is extracted to alkaline solution and analyzed colorimetrically. Residual particles are extracted with acid solution to remove soluble Cr⁺³, which is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. This methodology was tested on samples from three diverse types of sources: a ferrochrome smelter, a chemical plant, and a refractory brick plant. Identical quadruplicate samples were collected to determine accuracy and precision of the collection and analysis procedures, and extraction of Cr⁺⁶ and Cr⁺³. A statistical analysis revealed that the precision of Cr⁺⁶ analysis is comparable to that of the particulate mass determination. The stability of Cr⁺⁶ In particulate form and in solution was determined. Size resolved particulate samples were collected to determine the particle size versus the Cr⁺⁶ content. At the ferrochrome smelter and the chemical plant the majority of the Cr⁺⁶ was contained in the respirable particles. The accuracy and completeness of the chemical methods employed were verified by neutron activation analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive x-ray analysis.