The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) decreases the
toxicity
and mobility of chromium contaminants in soils and water.
In addition, the formation of a highly insoluble Cr(III)
product
would decrease the likelihood of future Cr(III)
re-oxidation.
Amorphous iron sulfide minerals like mackinawite
(FeS1
-
x
)
have the potential to reduce large quantities of Cr(VI) and
in
the process form very stable [Cr, Fe](OH)3 solids.
In this
study, we examine the effectiveness of amorphous FeS as
a reductant of Cr(VI) by identifying the solution and
solid-phase products of the reaction between FeS suspensions
and chromate. Iron sulfide suspensions at pH 5.0,
7.0,
and 8.0 were reacted with a range of Cr(VI) solutions
from
50 to 5000 μM in a N2 atmosphere glovebox for 3
d.
Solutions were analyzed using ICP−AES, IC, and
colorimetric
methods; solids were analyzed using XRD, TEM, EDS, and
XANES spectroscopy. Iron sulfide removed all of the
added Cr(VI) from solution for the reaction conditions
studied
and reduced between 85% and 100% of the Cr(VI) to
Cr(III). Chromate reduction occurred dominantly at the
FeS
surface and resulted in
[Cr0.75,Fe0.25](OH)3;
while less
extensive, reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe(II) (aq) was
noted
and produced a solid with the opposite Cr:Fe ratio,
[Cr0.25,Fe0.75](OH)3.
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