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Removal of selenite and chromate using iron(III)-doped alginate gels

Journal Article · · Water Environment Research

Oxyanionic contaminants, specifically selenium and chromium(VI), were removed from solution by sorption onto gel beads formed by pretreating the biopolymer alginic acid with calcium and iron(III). The calcium-iron gel beads were found to be effective at removing selenium(IV) from solution. Chromium(VI) removal was less effective and the rate of sorption was slower than that of selenium(IV). At an initial selenium(IV) concentration of 400 {micro}g/L (5.1 {micro}M), up to approximately 94% removal of selenium from solution was achieved by a 120-hour equilibration with 20 calcium-iron beads (10 mg/L or 180 {micro}M total iron). Optimal selenium(IV) removal and stability of the calcium-iron beads were achieved at pH 4. Selenium(IV) sorption and kinetics data were comparable with those observed previously for arsenic(V). Selenium(IV) sorption data, as a function of dissolved concentration and iron content, were modeled. As calcium-iron beads became saturated, the extent of sorption of selenium(IV) or arsenic(V) was decreased by the presence of competing contaminant oxyanions or nonhazardous inorganic anions such as phosphate.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
346818
Journal Information:
Water Environment Research, Journal Name: Water Environment Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 71; ISSN WAERED; ISSN 1061-4303
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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