Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE
(ISSN 1009-3095, Monthly)

2005   Vol. 6B   No. 10   p.1022-1027

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by iron nanoparticles

NIU Shao-feng^1,2, LIU Yong¹, XU Xin-hua^†‡1, LOU Zhang-hua²

(¹Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)
(²School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)
^†E-mail: xhxu@hzcnc.com
Received June 29, 2005; revision accepted July 24, 2005

Abstract: Groundwater remediation by nanoparticles has received increasing interest in recent years. This report presents a thorough evaluation of hexavalent chromium removal in aqueous solutions using iron (Fe⁰) nanoparticles. Cr(VI) is a major pollutant of groundwater. Zero-valent iron, an important natural reductant of Cr(VI), is an option in the remediation of contaminated sites, transforming Cr(VI) to essentially nontoxic Cr(III). At a dose of 0.4 g/L, 100% of Cr(VI) (20 mg/L) was degraded. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency decreased significantly with increasing initial pH. Different Fe⁰ type was compared in the same conditions. The reactivity was in the order starch-stabilized Fe⁰ nanoparticles>Fe⁰ nanoparticles>Fe⁰ powder>Fe⁰ filings. Electrochemical analysis of the reaction process led to the conclusion that Cr(OH)₃ should be the final product of Cr(VI). Iron nanoparticles are good choice for the remediation of heavy metals in groundwater.

Key words: Hexavalent chromium, Iron nanoparticles, Starch, Stabilize, Remediation
doi:10.1631/jzus.2005.B1022             CLC number: X703; X131.2

^‡ Corresponding Author