Removal of chromium (VI) from water streams: a thermodynamic study

The chemical speciation of water solutions containing chromium oxyanions in various ratios is calculated (with the aid of available computer code Mineql Plus, Geochemist Workbench and Visual Minteq) and discussed. The effect of solution pH, total concentration of each species studied, and the presence of other species in solution are calculated and presented in the form of thermodynamic speciation diagrams. Electrochemical diagram (correlating pH to Eh) has been calculated as well. The conditions of Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) and the subsequent solid phase precipitation are given as a function of redox potential and pH. Surface reactions that might occur between the chromate ions in the solution and redox couples as Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ on the surface of sorbents are also discussed. Moreover, experimental sorption data of hexavalent chromium onto synthetic magnetite are presented and discussed with the aid of the calculated diagrams. A mechanism is elucidated for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) from water streams at low pH values, and zeta potential data of synthetic magnetite with and without Cr(VI) are presented, which agree well with the mechanism proposed.