The implications of integrated assessment and modelling studies for the future remediation of chromite ore processing residue disposal sites

Release and mobility of hexavalent chromium in contaminated soil with chemical factory waste: Experiments, Cr isotope analysis and reactive transport modeling

Our study focused on the leaching processes in soil contaminated with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), traced to industrial waste from a disused site and resulting in groundwater contamination. Mineral and geochemical characterization of the soil by means of XRD, SEM-EDS, total digestion and sequential extractions revealed that the main Cr content was from solid waste located in the upper meter of the soil profile. Flow-through and column experiments were carried out to investigate the processes responsible for Cr(VI) release. Cr(VI) mobility along the soil profile was also assessed. Moreover, Cr isotope signatures were used to evaluate a potential Cr(VI) reduction process, which preferably could immobilize toxic Cr(VI) complexes. One-dimensional (1D) numerical simulations reproduced the Cr(VI) release from the flow-through experiment containing the Cr(VI) rich-solid waste and also the Cr(VI) mobility along the column experiment. These results enabled us to interpret quantitatively the processes resulting in Cr(VI) contamination and mobility along the soil profile. Cr(VI) was released from dissolving Cr(VI)-rich phases (e.g., sodium chromate, Cr(VI)-hydrocalumite and Cr(VI)-ettringite) of the solid waste layer. Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(VI) adsorption did not take place along the column. Such accurate characterization of these processes is necessary for the mitigation of Cr(VI) mobility in contaminated soils.

Investigating the hydration of C3A in the presence of the potentially toxic element chromium-a route to remediation?

Pollution by hexavalent chromium is a growing, global problem. Its presence in public water systems is often the result of industrial activities, both past and present. In this study, tricalcium aluminate (C3A, Ca₃Al₂O₆) is added to solutions of varying concentrations of potassium chromate (K₂CrO₄) and samples of both the solid and liquid are taken at various time intervals to monitor the removal of chromium from the solutions. Solution concentrations of 0.2 M, 0.1 M, 0.02 M, and 0.01 M are used, and the chromium concentration is found to reduce in all cases. For the 0.02 M solution the chromium concentration is reduced from 1040 ppm to 3.1 ppm in 1 week, and the chromium concentration of the 0.01 M solution is reduced from 520 ppm to 0.26 ppm in only one day of reaction with the C3A. The chromium removed from solution is identified in the solid products, which were fully characterised as being a mixture of ettringite (Ca₆[Al(OH)₆]₂(CrO₄)₃·26H₂O) and monochromate (Ca₄[Al(OH)₆]₂CrO₄·8H₂O) phases from analysis of Powder X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy data. The work presented here is a proof of concept study to investigate C3A as a potential material for the removal of hexavalent chromium from solution. The results from this study are initial steps towards development of this as a technology for hexavalent chromium remediation.

A calcium aluminate material has been successfully used to remove toxic hexavalent chromium from water. A thorough powder X-ray diffraction study was done to determine the composition of the products.

Hazardous Waste Disposal in Stromatolitic-Limestone Terrain and Hexavalent Chromium Contamination in Chhattisgarh State, India

BACKGROUND

Hexavalent chromium-containing waste from chromite ore processing is a major environmental health hazard due to its high toxicity. There have been instances of improper and unsafe disposal of this waste, leading to environmental health hazards.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to identify the cause of yellow colored water discharge and reported health issues in nearby residents and cattle. In addition, it investigated the improper disposal of chromite ore processing residue (COPR), a hazardous waste, in an abandoned quarry in stromatolitic-limestone terrain in central-east India.

METHODS

Standard methods of analysis of water and wastewater were used for the analyses of variables, including hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), pH, sulfate (SO₄ ^2-), chlorine (Cl^-), total hardness, calcium (Ca(II)), magnesium (Mg(II)), alkalinity and sodium (Na(I)) with proper sampling, quality assurance, and quality control protocols. Onsite Cr(VI) was analyzed using a chromium testing kit, and in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

Large-scale contamination of surface and groundwater was noted due to the migration of hexavalent chromium-contaminated yellow colored leachate. High levels of hexavalent chromium were noted in the samples. The maximum Cr(VI) concentration observed was 1050 mg/L in leachate, 22 mg/L in surface water and 0.26 mg/L in the groundwater sample. Acute health effects were noted in cattle and by residents who consumed the highly contaminated water.

CONCLUSIONS

A large volume of discharge of hexavalent chromium contamination from the COPR landfill was found, indicating the absence of containment features in the design (double high-density polyethylene liners, clay, leachate collection). Disposal of COPR in an abandoned limestone mine is inadvisable. The highly fractured stromatolitic-limestone environment at the study site was found to offer almost no resistance to the mobilization of Cr(VI) due to the absence of organic or eukaryotic deposition in the stromatolitic environment. It was also noted that the drainage pattern of the area facilitates a possible translocation of contaminated discharge to the nearby river system. Nearby residents were unaware of the adverse impacts of the contaminated leachates and were using the contaminated water for bathing, washing, etc. Applicable Indian governmental regulations regarding the construction of hazardous waste landfills were found to be insufficient with respect to the use of inactive limestone mines as landfill sites.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Cellulose Mediated Reduction and Immobilization of Cr(VI) in Chromite Ore Processing Residue

It is a great challenge to find an effective method for the treatment of chromite ore processing residue (COPR), due to the highly toxic and mobile characteristic of Cr(VI) in the sludge. This work reported a facile strategy to thoroughly reduce and immobilize Cr(VI) that was encapsulated in COPR by biomass-assistant hydrothermal treatment. After hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C for 180 min, the leaching of Cr(VI) in COPR decreased from 138.6 mg/L to 2.31 mg/L, well below the disposal standard limit (5 mg/L). It was found that in-situ produced volatile synthesis gas (H₂, CO and CH₄) by cellulose under hydrothermal condition, was responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. The reduction kinetics were temperature-dependent and the rate constants increased from 7.8 × 10^-3 min^-1 at 120 °C to 77.9 × 10^-3 min^-1 at 180 °C. Further simulation experiments revealed that (i) Fe-hydrotalcite in COPR acted as the catalyst for the decomposition of cellulose, and (ii) cellulose can hydrothermally produce reductive gas with a high efficiency, where 0.1 g of cellulose can realize the reduction and immobilization of Cr(VI) equivalent to 14 g of COPR by 14 cycles of treatment. This study provided a promising strategy for one-step remediation of COPR by the coupled reduction-stabilization process.

Assessing chromite ore processing residue (COPR) waste dump site using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study from Umaran, Kanpur, India

Leaching of chromium ions causes a serious threat to groundwater around chromite ore processing residue (COPR) dump sites in many countries. As a result, detailed subsurface characterization of the affected region is crucial for assessing the associated risks as well as initiating remedial measures. Though the conventional approaches (e.g., drilling and water sampling) provide important information but are expensive and unable to decipher detailed subsurface scenario. Thus, in the present study, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) (a cost-effective and faster approach) method has been employed to assess the effect of unplanned COPR waste dump beside agricultural land at Umaran, Kanpur, India, in conjunction with the available geochemical information. Inverted 2-D ERT sections depicted resistivity variation in the subsurface, and its correlation with previous geochemical results reveals the resistivity boundary between contaminated and clean zones as ~ 15 Ω·m. The study also depicts that the contamination plume is slowly migrating towards NE direction below the agriculture land but rate of migration is faster along southern direction. Therefore, the agriculture land and corresponding groundwater at ~ 50 m away from the dump site in NE direction are not affected by COPR leachate. Vertically, the COPR leachate has affected mostly up to ~ 20 m depth in the region inside the dump boundary; however, at some places, it is migrating further downward. Thus, the study demonstrates the efficacy of ERT method in characterizing COPR dump site and provides crucial information in managing safe agriculture practices over the region as well as for initiating scientific remedial measures.

Accelerated redox reaction between chromate and phenolic pollutants during freezing

The redox reaction between 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and chromate (Cr(VI)) (i.e., the simultaneous oxidation of 4-CP by Cr(VI) and reduction of Cr(VI) by 4-CP) in ice (i.e., at -20°C) was compared with the corresponding reaction in water (i.e., at 25°C). The redox conversion of 4-CP/Cr(VI), which was negligible in water, was significantly accelerated in ice. This accelerated redox conversion of 4-CP/Cr(VI) in ice is ascribed to the freeze concentration effect occurring during freezing, which excludes solutes (i.e., 4-CP and Cr(VI)) and protons from the ice crystals and subsequently concentrates them in the liquid brine. The concentrations of Cr(VI) and protons in the liquid brine were confirmed by measuring the optical image and the UV-vis absorption spectra of cresol red (CR) as a pH indicator of frozen solution. The redox conversion of 4-CP/Cr(VI) was observed in water when the concentrations of 4-CP/protons or Cr(VI)/protons increased by 100/1000-fold. These results corroborate the freeze concentration effect as the reason for the accelerated redox conversion of 4-CP/Cr(VI) in ice. The redox conversion of various phenolic pollutants/Cr(VI) and 4-CP/Cr(VI) in real wastewater was successfully achieved in ice, which verifies the environmental relevance and importance of freezing-accelerated redox conversion of phenolic pollutants/Cr(VI) in cold regions.

Calcium polysulphide, its applications and emerging risk of environmental pollution-a review article

Easy availability, preparation technique, and economic value make calcium polysulphide (CaS _x ) a very useful inorganic chemical for various field and industrial applications. In this article, disparate applications of CaS _x solution have been reviewed to suggest potential and future consolidation. This article also encompasses the physiochemical properties and production of CaS _x solution, with critical appraisal on research focusing on CaS _x application in agriculture industries and removal of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from the environment. The kinetics of CaS _x , technical issues associated with optimization of its dosage and environmental fate is also discussed in detail. This study covers almost all of the peer-reviewed research that has been performed since 1914. Some of the critiques in this article include the lack of integration between the exposure effect and the efficiency of treatment method, effects of oxidizing environments on the long-term performance of CaS _x solution, and kinetics of CaS _x solution with the PTEs. The working model of CaS _x with PTEs is still system dependent, and therefore cannot be used with other applications. The kinetics of CaS _x is described in detail with various phase stoichiometric reactions. Environmental fate is discussed based on applications, government reports, peer-reviewed articles and kinetics of CaS _x , which provides a clear picture of emerging contaminants in the environment in relation to the insect resistance and ecotoxicology. Real time, lab based research articles are needed to identify toxicity limits of CaS _x in environment in order to describe its effective permissible limit in environmental system. This review article provides a risk assessment of environmental pollution by CaS _x based on its physicochemical characteristic, stoichiometry, kinetics, field, and industrial applications.

Chemical and mineralogical characterization of chromite ore processing residue from two recent Indian disposal sites

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is a hazardous waste. Nevertheless, deposition of COPR in uncontrolled surface landfills is still common practice in some countries. Whereas old (between at least 40 and 180 years) COPR from the temperate zone has been intensively investigated, information on COPR in other regions is restricted. Relatively young (<25 years) COPR samples obtained from two abandoned landfill sites in India were investigated by a modified total microwave digestion method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to determine their chemical and mineralogical nature. By the use of microwave digestion with acid mixtures of HNO3, H3PO4, and HBF4 (5:3:2 vol), COPR was completely dissolved and element contents similar to those obtained by X-ray fluorescence were found. Total Cr contents of the two COPR accounted for 81 and 74 g kg(-1), of which 20 and 13% were present in the carcinogenic hexavalent form (CrVI). Apart from the common major mineral phases present in COPR reported earlier, a further Cr host mineral, grimaldiite [CrO(OH)], could be identified by XRPD and SEM. Additionally, well soluble Na2CrO4 was present. Improving the effectiveness of chromite ore processing and preventing the migration of Cr(VI) into water bodies are the main challenges when dealing with these COPR.

Role of an organic carbon-rich soil and Fe(III) reduction in reducing the toxicity and environmental mobility of chromium(VI) at a COPR disposal site

Cr(VI) is an important contaminant found at sites where chromium ore processing residue (COPR) is deposited. No low cost treatment exists for Cr(VI) leaching from such sites. This study investigated the mechanism of interaction of alkaline Cr(VI)-containing leachate with an Fe(II)-containing organic matter rich soil beneath the waste. The soil currently contains 0.8% Cr, shown to be present as Cr(III)(OH)3 in EXAFS analysis. Lab tests confirmed that the reaction of Cr(VI) in site leachate with Fe(II) present in the soil was stoichiometrically correct for a reductive mechanism of Cr accumulation. However, the amount of Fe(II) present in the soil was insufficient to maintain long term Cr(VI) reduction at historic infiltration rates. The soil contains a population of bacteria dominated by a Mangroviflexus-like species, that is closely related to known fermentative bacteria, and a community capable of sustaining Fe(III) reduction in alkaline culture. It is therefore likely that in situ fermentative metabolism supported by organic matter in the soil produces more labile organic substrates (lactate was detected) that support microbial Fe(III) reduction. It is therefore suggested that addition of solid phase organic matter to soils adjacent to COPR may reduce the long term spread of Cr(VI) in the environment.

Treatment of Alkaline Cr(VI)-Contaminated Leachate with an Alkaliphilic Metal-Reducing Bacterium

Chromium in its toxic Cr(VI) valence state is a common contaminant particularly associated with alkaline environments. A well-publicized case of this occurred in Glasgow, United Kingdom, where poorly controlled disposal of a cementitious industrial by-product, chromite ore processing residue (COPR), has resulted in extensive contamination by Cr(VI)-contaminated alkaline leachates. In the search for viable bioremediation treatments for Cr(VI), a variety of bacteria that are capable of reduction of the toxic and highly soluble Cr(VI) to the relatively nontoxic and less mobile Cr(III) oxidation state, predominantly under circumneutral pH conditions, have been isolated. Recently, however, alkaliphilic bacteria that have the potential to reduce Cr(VI) under alkaline conditions have been identified. This study focuses on the application of a metal-reducing bacterium to the remediation of alkaline Cr(VI)-contaminated leachates from COPR. This bacterium, belonging to the Halomonas genus, was found to exhibit growth concomitant to Cr(VI) reduction under alkaline conditions (pH 10). Bacterial cells were able to rapidly remove high concentrations of aqueous Cr(VI) (2.5 mM) under anaerobic conditions, up to a starting pH of 11. Cr(VI) reduction rates were controlled by pH, with slower removal observed at pH 11, compared to pH 10, while no removal was observed at pH 12. The reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) resulted in the precipitation of Cr(III) biominerals, which were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (TEM-EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effectiveness of this haloalkaliphilic bacterium for Cr(VI) reduction at high pH suggests potential for its use as an in situ treatment of COPR and other alkaline Cr(VI)-contaminated environments.

Biogenic nano-magnetite and nano-zero valent iron treatment of alkaline Cr(VI) leachate and chromite ore processing residue

Highly reactive nano-scale biogenic magnetite (BnM), synthesized by the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens, was tested for the potential to remediate alkaline Cr(VI) contaminated waters associated with chromite ore processing residue (COPR). The performance of this biomaterial, targeting aqueous Cr(VI) removal, was compared to a synthetic alternative, nano-scale zero valent iron (nZVI). Samples of highly contaminated alkaline groundwater and COPR solid waste were obtained from a contaminated site in Glasgow, UK. During batch reactivity tests, Cr(VI) removal from groundwater was inhibited by ∼25% (BnM) and ∼50% (nZVI) when compared to the treatment of less chemically complex model pH 12 Cr(VI) solutions. In both the model Cr(VI) solutions and contaminated groundwater experiments the surface of the nanoparticles became passivated, preventing complete coupling of their available electrons to Cr(VI) reduction. To investigate this process, the surfaces of the reacted samples were analyzed by TEM-EDX, XAS and XPS, confirming Cr(VI) reduction to the less soluble Cr(III) on the nanoparticle surface. In groundwater reacted samples the presence of Ca, Si and S was also noted on the surface of the nanoparticles, and is likely responsible for earlier onset of passivation. Treatment of the solid COPR material in contact with water, by addition of increasing weight % of the nanoparticles, resulted in a decrease in aqueous Cr(VI) concentrations to below detection limits, via the addition of ⩾5% w/w BnM or ⩾1% w/w nZVI. XANES analysis of the Cr K edge, showed that the % Cr(VI) in the COPR dropped from 26% to a minimum of 4-7% by the addition of 5% w/w BnM or 2% w/w nZVI, with higher additions unable to reduce the remaining Cr(VI). The treated materials exhibited minimal re-mobilization of soluble Cr(VI) by re-equilibration with atmospheric oxygen, with the bulk of the Cr remaining in the solid fraction. Both nanoparticles exhibited a considerable capacity for the remediation of COPR related Cr(VI) contamination, with the synthetic nZVI demonstrating greater reactivity than the BnM. However, the biosynthesized BnM was also capable of significant Cr(VI) reduction and demonstrated a greater efficiency for the coupling of its electrons towards Cr(VI) reduction than the nZVI.

Reduction and immobilization of chromate in chromite ore processing residue with nanoscale zero-valent iron

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) poses a great environmental and health risk with persistent Cr(VI) leaching. To reduce Cr(VI) and subsequently immobilize in the solid matrix, COPR was incubated with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and the Cr(VI) speciation and leachability were studied. Multiple complementary analysis methods including leaching tests, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to investigate the immobilization mechanism. Geochemical PHREEQC model calculation agreed well with our acid neutralizing capacity experimental results and confirmed that when pH was lowered from 11.7 to 7.0, leachate Cr(VI) concentrations were in the range 358-445mgL(-1) which contributed over 90% of dissolved Cr from COPR. Results of alkaline digestion, XANES, and XPS demonstrated that incubation COPR with nZVI under water content higher than 27% could result in a nearly complete Cr(VI) reduction in solids and less than 0.1mgL(-1) Cr(VI) in the TCLP leachate. The results indicated that remediation approaches using nZVI to reduce Cr(VI) in COPR should be successful with sufficient water content to facilitate electron transfer from nZVI to COPR.

Chromium speciation in a contaminated groundwater: redox processes and temporal variability

Chromium species (Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Cr(III)-organic) in groundwater of a tannery contaminated area were monitored during pre- and post-monsoon seasons for a period of 3 years (May 2004 to January 2007). The objectives of the study were (1) to investigate the temporal variation of chromium species and other matrix constituents and (2) to study the redox processes associated with the temporal variation of chromium species. Samples were collected from 15 dug wells and analyzed for chromium species and other constituents. The results showed that the groundwater was relatively more oxidizing during post-monsoon periods than the pre-monsoon periods. Except one sample, the concentration of chromium species were found in the order of Cr(VI)>Cr(III)>Cr(III)-organic complexes during all the pre- and post-monsoon periods. In most of the wells, the concentrations of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Cr(III)-organic decreased during post-monsoon periods compared to their pre-monsoon concentrations. However, the Cr(VI)/Cr(Total) ratio still increased and the Cr(III)/Cr(Total) ratio decreased during post-monsoon periods in most of the samples. The possible mechanisms for the temporal variation of chromium species were (1) Fe(II) reduction of Cr(VI) vs oxidation of Fe(II) by dissolved oxygen and (2) oxidation of Cr(III) by Mn(IV).

Impact of pyrolysis process on the chromium behavior of COPR

The effect of pyrolysis process with sewage sludge on the chromium behavior of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) was examined in this study. The behavior of chromium was characterized in term of chromium oxidation test, pH-static leaching tests, column leaching test and sequential extraction test. As a sequence of pyrolysis process, the Cr(VI) in COPR was effectively reduced from 5057 mg kg(-1) for untreated COPR to 8.6 mg kg(-1) for treated COPR at temperature over 600 degrees C, which is far below the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulatory limit of 240 mg kg(-1). As a result, the amount of exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cr fractions, the most mobile for the environment, were largely reduced. At the same time, the amount of the other three Cr fractions which are much less mobile become augmented. pH static test showed that the chromium in the treated COPR at pyrolysis temperature above 400 degrees C was quite stable at pH>7. Column study also indicated that only negligible amount of chromium of the treated COPR at above 600 degrees C can be released by the acid rain.

Remediation of chromite ore processing residue by pyrolysis process with sewage sludge

The present work developed a novel technique to treat chromite ore processing residue (COPR). The process involved mixing the COPR with sewage sludge followed by pyrolysis. The gaseous organic fraction generated during pyrolysis of sludge was beneficial to Cr(VI) reduction. Process variables, such as the amount of sludge added to COPR (sludge-to-COPR (S/C) ratio), heating temperature, reaction time and particle size, were systematically varied, and their influences on the Cr(VI) reduction in COPR were investigated. Cr(VI) content had decreased greatly, from 3384 mg kg(-1) for untreated COPR to less than 30 mg kg(-1) for COPR treated at 600 degrees C.

Strategies for improving human health in contaminated situations: a review of past, present and possible future approaches

Strategies for improving human health in contaminated situations have traditionally been based on restricting emissions, remedial reduction of exposure and, where appropriate and possible, medical reconnaissance of efficacy. We review these and the broader aspects of general public health approaches, including necessary understanding of epidemiology and the wider social context, before considering a specific local case study involving health issues associated with chromium-contaminated land and its remediation in an area of urban regeneration. The impact of remediation upon the common good, in its broadest environmental, health and socio-economic sense, including enhanced opportunities for members of the community to take personal responsibility for health-improving activities, should be taken into account in addition to conventional theoretical assessments and practical measurements of relief from environmental risk. Rapidly emerging toxicogenomic technologies may have a role to play in informing future risk assessment and remediation approaches in contaminated situations, although the ethical challenges of using personal genetic information could well be considerable.

Hydrogarnet: a host phase for Cr(VI) in chromite ore processing residue (COPR) and other high pH wastes

For understanding both the environmental behavior and developing remediation treatments for chromium ore processing residue (COPR) it is important to identify all the potentially soluble sources of Cr(VI). Hydrogarnet has been identified as a major phase in COPR and it has been previously speculated that it has a capacity to host Cr(VI). Here we provide direct evidence of this capacity by demonstrating the incorporation of Cr(VI) into laboratory synthesized hydrogarnet. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis show incorporation of approximately 17000-22000 mg Cr(VI) kg(-1) hydrogarnet. X-ray powder diffraction data show that peak intensities are altered by chromium substitution and that chromium substituted hydrogarnets have a smaller unit cell than the pure Ca-Al end member. This is consistent with substitution of hydroxyl tetrahedra by smaller chromate tetrahedra. Electron energy loss spectroscopy confirms the tetrahedral coordination and hexavalent oxidation state of chromium in the hydrogarnets. The maximum amount of hexavalent chromium that can be introduced synthetically corresponds to a replacement of about one out of every eight hydroxyl tetrahedral per unit cell by a CrO4(2-) tetrahedra and tallies closely with the amount of chromium measured in hydrogarnets from COPR. Chromium-bearing hydrogarnet is the most abundant crystalline phase in millions of tons of COPR contaminating land around Glasgow, Scotland, and was recently identified in COPR from sites in North America. Calculations based on its abundance and its Cr(VI) content indicate that hydrogarnet can host as much as 50% of the Cr(VI) found in some COPR samples.