Surface complexation modeling of Cr(VI) adsorption at the goethite–water interface

Adsorption of Selenium and Strontium on Goethite: EXAFS Study and Surface Complexation Modeling of the Ternary Systems

Knowledge of the geochemical behavior of selenium and strontium is critical for the safe disposal of radioactive wastes. Goethite, as one of the most thermodynamically stable and commonly occurring natural iron oxy-hydroxides, promisingly retains these elements. This work comprehensively studies the adsorption of Se(IV) and Sr(II) on goethite. Starting from electrokinetic measurements, the binary and ternary adsorption systems are investigated and systematically compared via batch experiments, EXAFS analysis, and CD-MUSIC modeling. Se(IV) forms bidentate inner-sphere surface complexes, while Sr(II) is assumed to form outer-sphere complexes at low and intermediate pH and inner-sphere complexes at high pH. Instead of a direct interaction between Se(IV) and Sr(II), our results indicate an electrostatically driven mutual enhancement of adsorption. Adsorption of Sr(II) is promoted by an average factor of 5 within the typical groundwater pH range from 6 to 8 for the concentration range studied here. However, the interaction between Se(IV) and Sr(II) at the surface is two-sided, Se(IV) promotes Sr(II) outer-sphere adsorption, but competes for inner-sphere adsorption sites at high pH. The complexity of surfaces is highlighted by the inability of adsorption models to predict isoelectric points without additional constraints.

A simple model to predict chromate partitioning in selected soils from China

Due to its mobility and toxicity, chromate [Cr(VI)] partitioning in soils, especially in the vadose zone, is an important environmental concern. The aim of this study was to develop a mechanism-based multi-surface complexation model using published parameters to predict the soil/water partitioning of Cr(VI) in 12 soils (previously depleted of organic matter) from China. The retention of Cr(VI) in soils was attributed to two reactive oxide surfaces: goethite and hydrous ferric oxide (HFO); however, modeling results showed that the best prediction was obtained with goethite alone, whereas the addition of HFO resulted in an overestimation of adsorption in some soils. Cr(VI) adsorption onto goethite could be described using our previously proposed CD-MUSIC model. In the absence of a specific value for the soil-reactive surface area of goethite, a general value of 45.8m²/g was used. The available phosphate in soils was identified as a strong competitor for Cr(VI) adsorption; thus, for soils with a low Fe/P ratio (<1) the effect of phosphate on Cr(VI) retention should not be neglected. The simple method presented herein can be applied to soils with a wide range of properties, pH values, and Cr(VI) loading concentrations.

Chromate adsorption on selected soil minerals: Surface complexation modeling coupled with spectroscopic investigation

This study investigates the mechanisms of Cr(VI) adsorption on natural clay (illite and kaolinite) and synthetic (birnessite and ferrihydrite) minerals, including its speciation changes, and combining quantitative thermodynamically based mechanistic surface complexation models (SCMs) with spectroscopic measurements. Series of adsorption experiments have been performed at different pH values (3-10), ionic strengths (0.001-0.1M KNO3), sorbate concentrations (10(-4), 10(-5), and 10(-6)M Cr(VI)), and sorbate/sorbent ratios (50-500). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were used to determine the surface complexes, including surface reactions. Adsorption of Cr(VI) is strongly ionic strength dependent. For ferrihydrite at pH <7, a simple diffuse-layer model provides a reasonable prediction of adsorption. For birnessite, bidentate inner-sphere complexes of chromate and dichromate resulted in a better diffuse-layer model fit. For kaolinite, outer-sphere complexation prevails mainly at lower Cr(VI) loadings. Dissolution of solid phases needs to be considered for better SCMs fits. The coupled SCM and spectroscopic approach is thus useful for investigating individual minerals responsible for Cr(VI) retention in soils, and improving the handling and remediation processes.

Adsorption performance of Cr(vi) onto Al-free and Al-substituted ferrihydrites

Al-Substituted ferrihydrite exhibits a higher adsorption capacity for Cr(vi) than pure ferrihydrite.

Cr(vi) removal by mesoporous FeOOH polymorphs: performance and mechanism

The mesoporous FeOOH polymorphs, i.e., goethite (α-FeOOH), akaganeite (β-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), and feroxyhyte (δ-FeOOH) were synthesized and characterized before and after reaction with Cr(vi) using various analytical techniques.