Negative impact of oxygen molecular activation on Cr(VI) removal with core-shell Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires

Z-scheme Fe@Fe2O3/BiOBr heterojunction with efficient carrier separation for enhanced heterogeneous photo-Fenton activity of tetracycline degradation: Fe2+ regeneration, mechanism insight and toxicity evaluation

The recombination of photogenerated carrier leads to inefficient Fe2+ regeneration, which limits the extensive application of heterogeneous photo-Fenton. Here, a novel Fe@Fe2O3/BiOBr catalyst with Z-scheme heterojunction structure is designed, and the establishment of the Z-scheme heterojunction facilitates the separation and transfer of photogenerated carrier and maintains the superior redox capability of the system. As-prepared Fe@Fe2O3/BiOBr catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic performance and stability, especially for the optimum composite FFB-3, its degradation efficiency of tetracycline (TC) achieves 98.22% and the mineralization degree reaches 59.48% within 90 min under natural pH. The preeminent catalytic efficiency benefited from the synergistic of heterogeneous photo-Fenton and Z-scheme carriers transfer mechanism, where Fe2+ regeneration was achieved by photogenerated electrons, and increased hydroxyl radicals were produced with the participation of H2O2 in-situ generated. The results of free-radical scavenging experiment and ESR illustrated that •OH, •O2-, 1O2 and h+ were active species participating in TC degradation. Furthermore, the TC degradation paths were proposed according to LC-MS, and the toxicity evaluation result showed that the toxicity of TC solutions was markedly decreased after degradation. This study provides an innovative strategy for heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of antibiotic contaminations by constructing Z-scheme heterojunctions.

Enhanced elimination of Cr(VI) from aqueous media by polyethyleneimine modified corn straw biochar supported sulfide nanoscale zero valent iron: Performance and mechanism

A novel polyethyleneimine modified corn straw biochar supported sulfide nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@PBC) was developed to enhance Cr(VI) removal from aqueous media. The characteristics of morphology, chemical composition, and functional groups of S-nZVI@PBC, as well as its kinetics and mechanism for Cr(VI) removal were explored. Characterization verified S-nZVI was successfully loaded onto PEI modified biochar. The adsorption process was well represented pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.990) and Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.962), indicating it was a monolayer chemical adsorption process. The Cr(VI) removal was affected by pH and achieved the maximum when pH = 3.0, which may be ascribed to the better corrosion of nZVI and release of Fe(II) from the S-nZVI@PBC in acidic condition. The primary mechanisms were adsorption, reduction, and co-precipitation. S-nZVI@PBC exhibited higher stability and reusability than nZVI, which makes it more promising in environmental application. Overall, S-nZVI@PBC is of great potential for treating Cr(VI)-containing wastewater.

Enhanced remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater by coupling electrokinetics with ZVI/Fe3O4/AC-based permeable reactive barrier

Although widely used in permeation reaction barrier (PRB) for strengthening the removal of various heavy metals, zero-valent iron (ZVI) is limited by various inherent drawbacks, such as easy passivation and poor electron transfer. As a solution, a synergistic system with PRB and electrokinetics (PRB-EK) was established and applied for the efficient removal of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater. As the filling material of PRB, ZVI/Fe₃O₄/activated carbon (ZVI/Fe₃O₄/AC) composites were synthesized by ball milling and thermal treatment. A series of continuous flow column experiments and batch tests was conducted to evaluate the removal efficiency of Cr(VI). Results showed that the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) remained above 93% even when the bed volume (BV) reached 2000 under the operational parameters (iron/AC mass ratio, 2:1; current, 5 mA). The mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by the PRB-EK system was revealed through field emission scanning electron microscopy images, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fe²⁺ concentration, and redox potential (E_h) values. The key in Cr(VI) reduction was the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ cycle driven by the surface microelectrolysis of the composites. The application of an externally supplied weak direct current maintained the redox process by enhancing the electron transfer capability of the system, thereby prolonging the column lifetime. Cr(VI) chemical speciation was determined through sequential extraction, verifying the stability and safety of the system. These findings provide a scientific basis for PRB design and the in-situ remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater.

Novel core-shell sulfidated nano-Fe(0) particles for chromate sequestration: Promoted electron transfer and Fe(II) production

Sulfidated nanoscale valent iron in form of FeS/Fe (0) shell-core nanoparticle has the aptitude to be a promising remediation material toward reductive removal of metal oxyanions. However, disrupted contact between Fe (0) core and FeS shell by thick iron oxides limited its reactivity improvement, and its mechanism of electron transfer remains unveiled. In this study, a novel sulfidated nZVI core-shell particles (FeS/Fe (0)) was fabricated via a modified post sulfidation approach to achieve a more uniform coverage of FeS for aqueous Cr(VI) sequestration. SEM and STEM tests confirmed the formation of the core-shell FeS/Fe (0) structure with a more solid interaction between FeS layer and Fe (0) core. The highest Cr(VI) removal rate was offered at optimal S/Fe molar ratio of 1/25 that the most chelated Fe²⁺ was also observed. The improved performance was due to that FeS shell with greater electronegativity could significantly accelerate the corrosion of Fe (0), facilitate the electron transfer form Fe (0) core to FeS shell according to the electrochemical tests. Moreover, FeS shell provided a protective layer for Fe (0) core so as to alleviate its anoxic passivation in water that FeS/Fe (0) had a better longevity for Cr(VI) removal than nFe (0). Characterizations of STEM and XPS revealed that Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) and evenly coprecipitated with surface Fe(II)/Fe(III).

Advances in metal(loid) oxyanion removal by zerovalent iron: Kinetics, pathways, and mechanisms

Metal(loid) oxyanions in groundwater, surface water, and wastewater can have harmful effects on human or ecological health due to their high toxicity, mobility, and lack of degradation. In recent years, the removal of metal(loid) oxyanions using zerovalent iron (ZVI) has been the subject of many studies, but the full scope of this literature has not been systematically reviewed. The main elements that form metal(loid) oxyanions under environmental conditions are Cr(VI), As(V and III), Sb(V and III), Tc(VII), Re(VII), Mo(VI), V(V), etc. The removal mechanisms of metal(loid) oxyanions by ZVI may involve redox reactions, adsorption, precipitation, and coprecipitation, usually with one of these mechanisms being the main reaction pathway and the other playing auxiliary roles. However, the removal mechanisms are coupled to the reactions involved in corrosion of Fe(0) and reaction conditions. The layer of iron oxyhydroxides that forms on ZVI during corrosion mediates the sequestration of metal(loid) oxyanions. This review summarizes most of the currently available data on mechanisms and performance (e.g., kinetics) of removal of the most widely studies metal(loid) oxyanion contaminants (Cr, As, Sb) by different types of ZVI typically used in wastewater treatment, as well as ZVI that has been sulfidated or combination with catalytic bimetals.

Evaluation of the sequential coupling of a bacterial treatment with a physicochemical process for the remediation of wastewater containing Cr and organic pollutants

A restoration strategy was developed for the treatment of two artificial liquid systems (Minimal Medium, MM, and Water Carbon Nitrogen, WCN) contaminated with Cr(VI), lindane (γ-HCH), phenanthrene (Phe), and reactive black 5 (RB5), through the use of an actinobacteria consortium, coupled with a physicochemical treatment using a column filled with nano-scale zero valent iron particles immobilized on dried Macrocystis pyrifera algae biomass. The Sequential Treatment A (ST_A: physicochemical followed by biological method) removed the three organic compounds with different effectiveness; however, it was very ineffective for Cr(VI) removal. The Sequential Treatment B (ST_B: biological followed by the physicochemical method) removed the four compounds with variable efficiencies. The removal of γ-HCH, Phe, and RB5 in both effluents did not present significant differences, regardless of the sequential treatment used. The highest removal of Cr(VI) and total Cr was observed in MM and WCN, respectively. Ecotoxicity tests (L. sativa) of the effluents treated with both methodological couplings demonstrated that the toxicity of WCN only decreased at the end of ST_A, while that of MM decreased at all stages of both sequential treatments. Therefore, MM would be more appropriate to perform both treatments.

Enhanced 4-FP removal with MnFe2O4 catalysts under dielectric barrier discharge plasma: Economical synthesis, catalytic performance and degradation mechanism

The dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP) process has received extensive attention for the removal of organic contaminants from water. A novel microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was used to easily and rapidly synthesize MnFe₂O₄ catalysts. Based on the DBDP process, MnFe₂O₄ can enhance 4-fluorophenol (4-FP) abatement from 44.15% to 58.78% through the catalysis within 18 min. Then, the adjunction of O₃ generated by discharge can further boost 4-FP degradation to 94.94%. After the whole optimization process is complete, the associated pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic constant and energy efficiency were enhanced from 0.0327 to 0.1536 min^-1 and 2067.13 mg kW h^-1 to 4444.75 mg kW h^-1, respectively. With the help of the condition, blank and radical capture experiments, the catalytic performance caused by MnFe₂O₄ and O₃ was attributed to the joint action of Fenton-like reactions, photocatalysis (ultraviolet, UV), photoassisted Fenton reactions and O₃ catalysis. The overall downward trend of the possible intermediate toxicities indicated that the DBDP/MnFe₂O₄/O₃ process can effectively remove and mineralize 4-FP without the generation of more toxic intermediates. In addition, during the 5 cycles, MnFe₂O₄ can maintain excellent recovery, efficiency and durability. In summary, the coupling of discharge plasma and MnFe₂O₄ sheds new light on catalysis for wastewater treatment.

Promotion of bioremediation performance in constructed wetland microcosms for acid mine drainage treatment by using organic substrates and supplementing domestic wastewater and plant litter broth

Gravel-based subsurface-flow constructed wetlands (CWs) amended with a walnut shell (WS) substrate were established to treat synthetic acid mine drainage (AMD) in this study, and artificial domestic wastewater (DW) and plant litter broth (PLB) were supplemented to enhance the performance. The CW media rapidly reached adsorption saturation with respect to metals (except Fe and Cr) without an external carbon source, while the addition of DW and PLB stimulated sulfate reduction activity and achieved efficient biogenic metal removal, primarily by the formation of hydroxide and sulfide precipitates and concomitant co-precipitation. The WS-amended CWs performed notably better than the control systems, not only in sequestering more metals and rapidly establishing favourable environments for biogenic metal abatement but also in supporting better growth of plants and functional microbes. The external organic carbon input greatly shaped the bacterial community compositions in the CWs, with substantial increases in the proportions of core functional populations involved in AMD biotreatment. Cooperation among Cellulomonas, Propioniciclava and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), dominated by Desulfobulbus and Desulfatirhabdium, was the primary biogenic mechanism of AMD remediation in the CWs. Cellulosic waste-amended CWs with DW and PLB addition offer a promising eco-technology for AMD remediation.

Enhanced removal of vanadium(V) from groundwater by layered double hydroxide-supported nanoscale zerovalent iron

To reduce the toxicity of vanadium(V) [V(V)] and inhibit the desorption of adsorbed vanadium in groundwater, we synthesized nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) dispersed on layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites (nZVI@LDH) to remove V(V) from simulated groundwater. We found that nZVI@LDH could reduce high-valence vanadium to low-valence vanadium, then forming vanadium-containing precipitation to reduce the toxicity and inhibiting vanadium from returning to groundwater. SEM and XRD characterizations exhibited the uniform dispersal of nZVI on the surface of LDH. nZVI@LDH with nZVI/LDH at a mass ratio of 1:2 provided the maximum adsorption capacity of 93.7 mg g^-1 at pH 3.0. Coexisting anions and dissolved oxygen in groundwater have little effect on V(V) removal. nZVI@LDH performed well across a wide pH range (3.0-8.0). The surface characterizations and XPS analysis revealed that LDH as supporting materials inhibited the aggregation and passivation of nZVI. The adsorbed V(V) was reduced to V(IV) and V(III) by nZVI and spontaneously transformed into insoluble VO₂ and V₂O₃. The DFT calculations indicated the strong complexation and better stability of the V(IV) and V(III) species with nZVI@LDH than V(V). This work suggests that nZVI@LDH has the potential to serve as an efficient material for the immobilization of V(V) in groundwater.

Composite of chitosan and bentonite cladding Fe-Al bimetal: Effective removal of nitrate and by-products from wastewater

Chitosan was used as crosslinking agent to load bimetal particles onto bentonite. The Fe-Al bimetal chitosan bentonite (Fe-Al bimetal @ bent) complex was prepared for the efficient removal of nitrate from wastewater and its by-products at low temperature. The samples were characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and Energy Dispersive X-ray Detector (EDX). SEM and EDX showed that Fe⁰ was deposited on the surface of aluminum, the Fe-Al bimetal were surrounded by chitosan and bentonite. XRD showed that Al can effectively protect the reactivity of Fe. The experimental results of nitrate removal showed that pH was the main factor affecting on nitrate removal rate and performance. The removal efficiency of nitrate wastewater with a concentration of 50 mg/L was approximately 90% in 60min. Fe-Al bimetal @ bent has better nitrate removal performance and faster reduction rate at low temperature(2-7 °C) than normal temperature (25 °C). The reason was that chitosan, bentonite and bimetal have excellent synergistic effect. It can effectively improve the reaction rate, pH buffering capacity, reduce secondary pollution and total nitrogen (TN). Fe-Al bimetal @ bent has better N₂ selectivity than Fe-Al bimetal.

A novel composite of almandine supported humboldtine nanospheres, in situ synthesized from natural almandine, possesses high removal efficiency of Cr(Ⅵ) over a wide pH range

Preparing a cost-effective material which can been applied in a wide pH range is very crucial for the remediation of Cr(Ⅵ) polluted water. In this study, a novel material, almandine/humboldtine nanospheres (AHN) composites, was synthesized directly from almandine by one-pot method. Characterizations of XRD and SEM/TEM showed that the structure changes of almandine to nano-humboldtine leaded to significant increase of Cr(Ⅵ) removal capacities. And 96.45% of Cr(Ⅵ) was removed by AHN-24 composite at pH value of 3, initial Cr(Ⅵ) concentration of 20 mg/L, temperature of 298.15 K and dosage of 0.6 g/L. Furthermore, Cr(Ⅵ) removal capacity was only decreased from 48.23 mg/g to 34.33 mg/g when the initial pH value increased from 3 to 11, which demonstrated that the synthesized composite had a wide pH application range in Cr(Ⅵ) removal. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG⁰ < 0, ΔH⁰ > 0 and ΔS⁰ > 0) illustrated that Cr(VI) removal process was spontaneous and endothermic. FTIR and XPS revealed that the Cr(Ⅵ) removal mechanisms included reduction-precipitation and reduction-complexation. Combined with cost analysis, all of results implied that the synthesized composites were a high efficient and low cost material for Cr(Ⅵ) pollution remediation in a wide pH range.

Aqueous Cr(VI) removal by a novel ball milled Fe0-biochar composite: Role of biochar electron transfer capacity under high pyrolysis temperature

A novel ball milled Fe⁰-biochar composite was synthesized by ball milling the mixture of biochar (pyrolyzed at 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C) and micron grade iron powder. FTIR, SEM, TEM-EDS, XRD, and XPS were applied to characterize this composite. XRD results showed that iron carbide phase was formed during the ball milling process. The ability of this synthesized composited to remove aqueous Cr(VI) was tested. Removal rates of Cr(VI) (49.6%, 65.8%, and 97.8%, respectively) by ball milled Fe⁰-biochar composite consisting of biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C (300BMFe⁰-BC), 500 °C (500BMFe⁰-BC), and 700 °C (700BMFe⁰-BC) were much higher than those (19%, 11%, and 4%, respectively) by pristine biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C (300BC), 500 °C (500BC), and 700 °C (700BC). Cr(VI) removal rate by 700BMFe⁰-BC increased from 15.4% to 97.8% when prolonging ball milling time from 6 h to 48 h. Ball milling promoted the combination of Fe⁰ and biochar as well as reduced the hydrodynamic diameter of the composite. Acidic conditions favored Cr(VI) removal. Ball milling exposed the functional groups of biochar and improved its Cr(VI) removal rate. Raman spectra showed that the degree of graphitization in 700 °C ball milled biochar (700BMBC) was the highest. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated that 700BMBC had the highest electron transfer capacity. In the presence of Fe⁰, graphitized structure in 700BMBC acted as an electron conductor, facilitating electron transfer from Fe⁰ to Cr(VI). Ball milling also destroyed the surface iron oxide layer to regenerate the composite.

Ultrahigh sorption and reduction of Cr(VI) by two novel core-shell composites combined with Fe3O4 and MoS2

In this investigation, two novel magnetic core-shell Fe₃O₄@MoS₂ (F@M) and MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ (M@F) composites were synthesized and exploited for Cr(VI) elimination. Eco-friendly preparation methods were applied for the synthesis of Fe₃O₄ and MoS₂ composites. The experimental results showed that both F@M and M@F have high saturation magnetization values (43.2 emu/g for F@M and 49.9 emu/g for M@F), excellent maximum sorption capacities of Cr(VI) at pH 5.0 and 298 K (324.3 mg/g for F@M, 290.2 mg/g for M@F), remarkable Cr(VI) removal efficiencies (Cr(VI) sorption equilibrium by both F@M and M@F can be reached in 90 min) and nice regeneration properties (the sorption capabilities of F@M and M@F decreased slightly after five consecutive sorption/desorption cycles). Chemical reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) occurred on the surface of F@M and M@F, and the synergetic reduction of sulfur and ferrous ions made F@M an outstanding material for Cr(VI) removal. This paper highlights F@M and M@F as potential, eco-friendly and ultrahigh-efficiency materials for Cr(VI) pollution cleanup.

Removal of chromium(VI) by MnFe2O4 and ferrous ion: synergetic effects and reaction mechanism

MnFe₂O₄ was a magnetic material that can be used to adsorb contaminants in the wastewater. Fe(II) could act as a reductant to transfer Cr(VI) into Cr(III). In this paper, mesoporous MnFe₂O₄ prepared by the coprecipitation method was incorporated with Fe(II) to remove Cr(VI). The samples before and after reaction were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A total of 98~100% of Cr(VI) in solution was removed by MnFe₂O₄/Fe(II) hybrid system within a wide pH range (pH 3.0-9.0), which is due to the synergetic effects of adsorption from MnFe₂O₄ and reduction from Fe(II). Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by ≡Mn(II) on MnFe₂O₄ and Fe(II). Cr(III) and Fe(III) produced during reaction formed Cr(III)-Fe(III) hydroxides/oxyhydroxides and deposited on MnFe₂O₄. The inhibiting action of phosphate on the removal of Cr(VI) was greater than that of sulfate. Cr(VI) removal rate retained 94.5% at the fourth recycle test, which showed excellent re-usability of MnFe₂O₄.

Enhanced Photoreduction of U(VI) on C3N4 by Cr(VI) and Bisphenol A: ESR, XPS, and EXAFS Investigation

The effect of Cr(VI) and bisphenol A (BPA) on U(VI) photoreduction by C₃N₄ photocatalyst was demonstrated by the batch experiments, electron spin resonance (ESR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques. The batch experiments manifested that Cr(VI) and BPA enhanced the photocatalytic activity of C₃N₄ for U(VI) photoreduction, whereas U(VI) photoreduction was significantly diminished with increased pH from 4.0 to 8.0. According to radical scavengers and ESR analysis, U(VI) was photoreduced to U(IV) by photogenerated electrons of conduction band edge, whereas Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by H₂O₂. BPA and its products such as organic acid and alcohols can capture photoinduced holes, which resulted in the enhancement of U(VI) photoreduction to U(IV). XPS and XANES analyses demonstrated that U(VI) was gradually photoreduced to U(IV) by C₃N₄ within irradiation 60 min, whereas U(IV) was reoxidized to U(VI) with increasing irradiation time. EXAFS analysis determined that the dominant interaction mechanisms of U(VI) on C₃N₄ after irradiation for 240 min were reductive precipitation and inner-sphere surface complexation. This work highlights the synergistic removal of radionuclides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants by C₃N₄, which is crucial for the design and application of a high-performance photocatalyst in actual environmental cleanup.

Facile modification of activated carbon with highly dispersed nano-sized α-Fe2O3 for enhanced removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions

Activated carbon-coated α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (nFe₂O₃@AC) were synthesized by a facile impregnation method to enhance hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from water. The SEM images confirmed that α-Fe₂O₃ particles ranging from 90 to 500 nm were dispersedly loaded on the AC, which successfully amended Cr(VI) removal. The nFe₂O₃@AC was able to remove Cr(VI) with a 3 times higher efficiency of 94% in comparison with the AC. After adsorption, Cr(VI) reduction coupled with AC oxidation and low soluble (Cr_xFe_1-x)(OH)₃ precipitates were eventually formed. The Cr(VI) removal process was pH-dependent and could be well fitted to pseudo second-order kinetics. The nFe₂O₃@AC could be easily regenerated by 0.1 M HCl and showed a good stability as an 80% Cr(VI) removal efficiency was recorded after 4 desorption-adsorption cycles. In addition, this composite had a promising potential for repeated utilization because the AC of the adsorbed nFe₂O₃@AC could be refreshed and remodified with nFe₂O₃ after stripping all the nFe₂O₃ and (Cr_xFe_1-x)(OH)₃ precipitates from its surface by 1 M HCl and a Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 86% could be achieved. Our results demonstrated that the use of nFe₂O₃ is an efficient and promising method to modify AC and enhance Cr(VI) removal form aqueous solutions.

Highly efficient immobilization of NZVI onto bio-inspired reagents functionalized polyacrylonitrile membrane for Cr(VI) reduction

To provide superior substrates and determine the specific species of immobilized nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) system, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane was functionalized by bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) and poly(_l-DOPA) (PDOPA) for efficient immobilization of NZVI. The synthesized composites were denoted as PAN/PDA-NZVI (PPN) and PAN/PDOPA-NZVI (PON), respectively. Analyses of XRD, SEM/EDS and XPS show that the aggregation and release of iron nanoparticles had been successfully controlled by improving membrane hydrophilcity and iron-chelating capacity via the graft of functionalized groups (i.e. OH and COOH) of PDA and PDOPA on PAN membrane. Both PPN and PON composites exhibited superior reactivity for Cr(VI) removal (Cr(VI) removal efficiency and reaction rate were 2.21-2.22 and 9.90-10.14 times higher than that of bare NZVI, respectively). The stability and recyclability of PPN and PON composites could be maintained over repeated cycles. Further analyses indicate that PON is more capable for Cr(VI) elimination than PPN due to the proprietary carboxyl of _l-DOPA. With the addition of 1,10-phenanthroline, membrane-chelated Fe(II) was determined to be the major species in Cr(VI) removal system, accounting for 56.9% and 53.8% with regard to PPN and PON composites, and Fe⁰ was responsible for the reduction of residual Cr(VI). Analyse of reacted composites revealed that Cr(VI) was completely converted into Cr(III), followed by formation of dominant Cr(III)/Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides and partial desorption from NZVI reactive sites. This study suggested that both synthesized PPN and PON composites have potentials for Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater treatment.

Preparation, characterization and performance of an electrospun carbon nanofiber mat applied in hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), a highly toxic oxyanion known as a carcinogen and mutagen, is an issue of concern due to its adverse impact on human health. Therefore, development of effective technologies and/or materials for Cr(VI) removal from water has been of great interest for researchers. In this study, an electrospun carbon nanofiber (CNF) mat was prepared via electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN), followed by thermal pre-oxidation and carbonization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the fiber diameter of the CNF with carbonization temperature of 950°C (CNF₉₅₀) was about 266 nm. Potentiometric titration analysis demonstrated that the point of zero charge pH (pH_pzc) of CNF₉₅₀ was around 7.93. CNF₉₅₀ demonstrated high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics for Cr(VI) at pH < 3. Langmuir isotherm calculations showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) on CNF₉₅₀ was 118.8 mg/g at pH 2. The adsorption isotherm of Cr(VI) on CNF₉₅₀ was well described by the Redlich-Peterson model, revealing that Cr(VI) adsorption was the result of a combination of monolayer and multilayer adsorption, depending on the initial Cr(VI) concentration. Solution pH greatly affected Cr(VI) adsorption onto CNF₉₅₀ due to the electrostatic interaction, and the adsorption capacity was relatively high when pH was below 3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that the removal of Cr(VI) might be the result of a combination of redox reaction and electrostatic adsorption. The adsorption-saturated CNF₉₅₀ could be regenerated by NaOH solution. This study extends the potential applicability of electrospun CNF mats for Cr(VI)-contaminated water purification.

Polyaniline/attapulgite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron for the rival removal of azo dyes in aqueous solution

In this paper, polyaniline/attapulgite (PANI/APT)-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) composites were synthesized by liquid-phase chemical reduction method and used for the removal of two kinds of dyes. The structure of as-prepared nZVI/PANI/APT was characterized by various test methods. The removal property and degradation mechanism for azo (alizarin yellow R, methyl red, chrome black T, methyl orange) and non-azo (methylene blue, rhodamine B) dyes in aqueous solution were investigated. The presence of PANI/APT can decrease the aggregation of nZVI particles with maintenance of reactivity and improving adsorption capacity for degradation azo dye. The experiment results showed that the removal property of the composite materials on azo dyes is obviously better than that on non-azo dyes. The varying removal efficiencies of dyes depend on the different degradation mechanisms. Azo dyes removal by nZVI/PANI/APT was mainly due to the reductive cleavage of the N = N of nZVI, while non-azo dyes removal mainly contributes to the adsorption of PANI/APT. The study demonstrated that nZVI/PANI/APT has potential applications for the removal of azo dyes from wastewaters.

In-situ remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated groundwater and saturated soil using stabilized iron sulfide nanoparticles

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is one of prevalent toxic and mobile heavy metal contaminants in the environment. In this study, synthetic iron sulfide nanoparticles (FeS NPs) stabilized with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were applied to remediate Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater and saturated soil. The batch test results showed that aqueous Cr(VI) was removed with a capacity as high as 1046.1 mg Cr(VI) per gram of FeS NPs. The removal of aqueous Cr(VI) mainly involves adsorption, reduction and co-precipitation. Aqueous Cr(VI) removal by using FeS NPs was a strong pH-dependent process. Dissolved oxygen (DO) would compete with Cr(VI) for Fe(II) and S(-II) and inhibit the process of Cr(VI) reduction at pH 5.6. For ionic strength and natural organic matter (NOM), there were no significant influences on the aqueous Cr(VI) removal. Column tests demonstrated that the concentrations of Cr(VI) in the effluent were lower than 0.005 mg L^-1 after an elution of 45 pore volumes (PVs) of stabilized FeS NPs suspension. The leached Cr(VI) decreased from 4.58 mg L^-1 of raw Cr(VI)-contaminated soil to 46.8-80.7 μg L^-1 from the surface to bottom treated soil in column through Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Therefore, the synthesized FeS NPs hold high potential for the in-situ remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater and saturated soil.

Sustaining the efficiency of the Fe(0)/H2O system for Cr(VI) removal by MnO2 amendment

This study aims to provide new knowledge regarding the effect of MnO₂ co-presence on efficiency of Cr(VI) removal with Fe(0). Non-disturbed batch experiments (≤40 days) were conducted using two types of Fe(0) (milli- and micro-sized), two Cr(VI) concentrations (5 and 100 mg/L), in three different systems ("Fe(0) only", "MnO₂ only", and "Fe(0) + MnO₂"), at an initial pH value of 6.9. Compared to "Fe(0) only" system, the efficiency and rate of Cr(VI) removal were highly promoted in "Fe(0) + MnO₂" system; moreover, while for the "Fe(0) only" system removal of Cr(VI) was severely hindered by increasing Cr(VI) concentration, in "Fe(0) + MnO₂" system comparable high efficacies were noticed both at low and high concentration. Recycling experiments indicated that total Cr(VI) removal capacity of "Fe(0) + MnO₂" system was up to 48.1 times greater than of the "Fe(0) only" system. Enhanced removal of Cr(VI) with Fe(0) was achieved at low doses of MnO₂, with an optimal mass ratio Fe(0):MnO₂ of 4:1. The favorable synergistic effect observed in "Fe(0) + MnO₂" system was ascribed to capacity of MnO₂ to accelerate Fe(0) oxidative dissolution, and to generate supplementary amounts of secondary adsorbents/reductants with removal ability towards Cr(VI). This study provides compelling evidence that "Fe(0) + MnO₂" system could represent a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative for the abatement of Cr(VI) aqueous pollution.

Hexavalent chromium removal by multilayer membrane assisted by photocatalytic couple nanoparticle from both permeate and retentate

In this study, a novel photocatalytic thin film nanocomposite (TFC) membrane was prepared for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solution. In this regards, a TFC membrane was modified by a layer of chitosan as an adsorbent and then was coated with a layer of synthesized photocatalytic nanoscale zerovalent iron@titanium dioxide (nZVI@TiO₂) nanoparticles via layer-by-layer (LBL) technology. Prepared membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle analysis. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency of the membranes was evaluated by batch removal and dynamic filtration tests. The water flux was increased from 26.2 to 39.7l/m²h as a consequence of improved hydrophilicity which was approved by contact angle analysis. The modified TFC membrane has shown the significant removal of Cr(VI) in retentate as well as the permeate stream. Further, the Cr(VI) removal of retentate flow decreased with increasing pH and feed concentration whereas the Cr(VI) removal of permeate was enhanced with increasing initial feed concentration. Increasing the flux recovery from 62% (for neat TFC) to 87% (for modified TFC membrane) demonstrated that the modification of membrane improved the anti-fouling property of the modified membrane.

Photovoltage response of (XZn)Fe2O4-BiFeO3 (X=Mg, Mn or Ni) interfaces for highly selective Cr3+, Cd2+, Co2+ and Pb2+ ions detection

High-photostability fluorescent (XZn)Fe₂O₄ (X=Mg, Mn or Ni) embedded in BiFeO₃ spinel-perovskite nanocomposites were successfully fabricated via a novel bio-induced phase transfer method using shewanella oneidensis MR-1. These nanocomposites have the near-infrared fluorescence response (XZn or Fe)-O-O-(Bi) interfaces (785/832nm), and the (XZn)Fe₂O₄/BiFeO₃ lattices with high/low potentials (572.15-808.77meV/206.43-548.1meV). Our results suggest that heavy metal ion (Cr³⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺ and Pb²⁺) d↓ orbitals hybridize with the paired-spin X-Zn-Fe d↓-d↓-d↑↓ orbitals to decrease the average polarization angles (-29.78 to 44.71°), qualitatively enhancing the photovoltage response selective potentials (39.57-487.84meV). The fluorescent kinetic analysis shows that both first-order and second-order equilibrium adsorption isotherms are in line and meet the Langmuir and Freundlich modes. Highly selective fluorescence detection of Co²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Cd²⁺ can be achieved using Fe₃O₄-BiFeO₃ (Langmuir mode), (MgZn)Fe₂O₄-BiFeO₃ and (MnZn)Fe₂O₄-BiFeO₃ (Freundlich mode), respectively. Where the corresponding max adsorption capacities (q_max) are 1.5-1.94, 35.65 and 43.7 multiple, respectively, being more competitive than that of other heavy metal ions. The present bio-synthesized method might be relevant for high-photostability fluorescent spinel-perovskite nanocomposites, for design of heavy metal ion sensors.

Synthesis of a Multifunctional Graphene Oxide-Based Magnetic Nanocomposite for Efficient Removal of Cr(VI)

A novel magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized using graphene oxide (GO), polyethylenimine (PEI), and Fe₃O₄ to removal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water and soil. Therein, GO was functionalized with plenty of -NH₂ by the modification of PEI through an amidation reaction, and the resulting GO/PEI reacted with FeSO₄·7H₂O and NaBH₄ to obtain RGO/PEI/Fe₃O₄ (the optimal one is designated as ORPF) through an oxidation-reduction reaction. ORPF could effectively adsorb Cr(VI) through electrostatic attraction, and the adsorbed Cr(VI) ions were partially reduced to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) with low toxicity by RGO (π electron). Afterward, the resulting ORPF-Cr could be conveniently removed from water with a magnet, achieving the maximum Cr(VI) removal capacity of 266.6 mg/g. Importantly, ORPF, once carried by sponge particles, could efficiently remove Cr(VI) from soil, and the resulting mixture could be facilely collected with a magnet on a filter net. Besides, the leaching experiment suggested that, when supported by filter paper, ORPF was able to decrease the number of leached Cr(VI) ions and meanwhile reduce them to Cr(III). This work provides a promising approach to remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated water and soil using a nanocomposite, which has a huge number of application prospects.

Treatment of arsenic in acid wastewater and river sediment by Fe@Fe2O3 nanobunches: The effect of environmental conditions and reaction mechanism

High concentration of arsenic in acid wastewater and polluted river sediment caused by metallurgical industry has presented a great environmental challenge for decades. Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) can detoxify arsenic-bearing wastewater and groundwater, but the low adsorption capacity and rapid passivation restrict its large-scale application. This study proposed a highly efficient arsenic treatment nanotechnology, using the core-shell Fe@Fe₂O₃ nanobunches (NBZI) for removal of arsenic in acid wastewater with cyclic stability and transformation of arsenic speciation in sediment. The adsorption capacity of As(III) by NBZI was 60 times as high as that of nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) at neutral pH. Characterization of the prepared materials after reaction revealed that the contents of As(III) and As(V) were 65% and 35% under aerobic conditions, respectively, which is the evidence of oxidation included in the reaction process apart from adsorption and co-precipitation. The presence of oxygen was proved to improve the adsorption ability of the prepared NBZI towards As(III) with the removal efficiency increasing from 68% to 92%. In order to further enhance the performance of NBZI-2 in the absence of oxygen, a new Fenton-Like system of NBZI/H₂O₂ to remove arsenic under the anoxic condition was also proposed. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of arsenic in acid wastewater remained to be 78% after 9 times of cycling. Meanwhile, most of the mobile fraction of arsenic in river sediment was transformed into residues after NBZI treatment for 20 days. The reaction mechanism between NBZI and arsenic was discussed in detail at last, indicating great potential of NBZI for the treatment of arsenic in wastewater and sediment.

Reductive sequestration of chromate by hierarchical FeS@Fe(0) particles

Nanoscale Fe(0) (nFe(0)) can detoxify Cr(VI)-bearing wastewater and groundwater, but rapid passivation is a negative factor for large-scale remediation applications. In this study, a magnetic FeS@Fe(0) hybrid material was fabricated by immobilization of iron sulfide (FeS) onto Fe(0) particles to improve the Cr(VI) removal capacity. The solid characterization confirmed that Fe(0) particles were encapsulated by amorphous iron monosulfide. The Cr(VI) uptake by FeS@Fe(0) hybrid particles was found to follow pseudo-second-order rate kinetics, and the Langmuir isotherm was most appropriate to describe Cr(VI) sorption. Meanwhile, the FeS@Fe(0) hybrid particles showed a much higher efficiency towards Cr(VI) sequestration compared to individual nFe(0). Moreover, the results of batch experiments with various adsorbent doses indicated that the reactivity of FeS@Fe(0) varies with different FeS-to-Fe(0) molar ratios. The reaction rate constants for Cr(VI) removal first increased with an increasing FeS-to-Fe(0) ratio from 0/1 to 1/9, and then decreased for the FeS-to-Fe(0) ratio increased further 1/5 or 1/3. For environmental parameters, there was a negative effect of increasing the solution pH and dissolved oxygen on Cr(VI) removal. Furthermore, a mechanistic analysis revealed that Cr(VI) reduction occurred predominantly at the solid-liquid interface, and that Fe(II) regenerated from FeS@Fe(0) corrosion may account for 52% of the Cr(VI) reduction, while electrons from Fe(0) and FeS account for the rest. After treatment, Cr(VI) was completely transformed and immobilized as solid Fe-Cr hydroxide precipitates, thus avoiding secondary contamination. The FeS@Fe(0) hybrid material has a better potential for treating Cr(VI)-bearing wastewater than nano Fe(0).

Adsorption, oxidation, and reduction behavior of arsenic in the removal of aqueous As(III) by mesoporous Fe/Al bimetallic particles

In this study, mesoporous iron/aluminum (Fe/Al) bimetallic particles were synthesized and employed for the removal of aqueous As(III). Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis method, Vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterize the Fe/Al bimetals before and after reaction with As(III). The physical properties, compositions, and structures of Fe/Al bimetallic particles as well as the As(III) removal mechanism were investigated. The characterization of the bimetallic particles after the reaction has revealed the removal of As(III) is a complex process including surface adsorption and oxidation, and intraparticle reduction. The good As(III) removal capability and stability of the Fe/Al bimetallic particles exhibited its great potential as an effective and environmental friendly agent for As(III) removal from water.

Studies on the optimum conditions using acid-washed zero-valent iron/aluminum mixtures in permeable reactive barriers for the removal of different heavy metal ions from wastewater

The method of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) is considered as one of the most practicable approaches in treating heavy metals contaminated surface and groundwater. The mixture of acid-washed zero-valent iron (ZVI) and zero-valent aluminum (ZVAl) as reactive medium in PRBs to treat heavy metal wastewater containing Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) was investigated. The performance of column filled with the mixture of acid-washed ZVI and ZVAl was much better than the column filled with ZVI or ZVAl alone. At initial pH 5.4 and flow rates of 1.0 mL/min, the time that the removal efficiencies of Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) were all above 99.5% can keep about 300 h using 80 g/40 g acid-washed ZVI/ZVAl when treating wastewater containing each heavy metal ions (Cr(VI), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+)) concentration of 20.0 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize ZVI/ZVAl before and after reaction and the reaction mechanism of the heavy metal ions with ZVI/ZVAl was discussed.