Pathways of aqueous Cr(VI) attenuation in a slightly alkaline oxic subsurface
Column experiments combined with geochemical modeling, microscopic inspections and spectroscopic interrogations were conducted with four freshly or naturally aged contaminated sediments with concentrated Cr(VI) waste fluids. The objective was to determine sediment-dependent Cr(VI) desorption extent and rates, Cr(VI) physical location and soil mineral associations, and mechanism(s) of Cr(VI) attenuation under mild alkaline conditions. Results showed that majority of Cr(VI) mass was easily removed from all sediments. Equilibrium site Kd varied from 0 to 0.33 ml g-1 and equilibrium site fraction was greater than 95 %. In addition, long tailings of time-dependent Cr(VI) concentrations above Environmental Protection Agency maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 1.9 µmol L-1, were also observed (kinetic site Kd and desorption reaction half-life varied from 0 to 45 ml g-1, and 76.1 to 126 h, respectively). Aqueous phase pH, particle size distribution and pore water composition contributed to the variability observed among sediments. Microscopic and spectroscopic studies confirmed that Cr was concentrated within fine-grained coatings in small areas rich in phyllosilicates that contained mixed valence [Cr(III)/Cr(VI)]. However, Cr(VI) reduction was neither significant nor complete. The kinetically controlled Cr(VI) desorption may have resulted from the transport (diffusion) of Cr(VI) out of these areas. In summary, at least four pools of Cr(VI) with different leaching behavior might be present in sediments exposed to concentrated waste fluids: i.) The pool of highly mobile and easily removed Cr(VI) (over 95% of total Cr); ii.) The pool of Cr(VI) held in remote sites that provided a long-term continuing source of contaminant Cr; iii.) The pool of reduced immobile Cr(III) which was formed, most likely, by redox reactions of aqueous Cr(VI) and aqueous, sorbed, or structural Fe(II); vi.) The pool of sparingly soluble Cr(VI) phases (e.g., BaCrO4) or solid solutions which did not contribute to the overall Cr(VI) transport under these conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 950162
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-62386; 830403000; TRN: US200910%%102
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science & Technology, 43(4):1071-1077, Vol. 43, Issue 4; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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