Reseach on the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by iron nanoparticles

Abstract

Groundwater remediation by nanoparticles has become a major interest in recent years. This report presents the ability of hexavalent chromium removal in aqueous using iron (Fe0) nanoparticles. Cr(VI) is a major pollution of groundwater and more toxic than Cr(III). Fe0 reduces Cr(VI), transforming Cr(VI) to nontoxic Cr(III). At a dose of 0.2g/l iron (Feo) nanoparticles, 100% of Cr(VI) 5mg/l was removed after only 20 minutes. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency increased with decreasing initial pH. Synthesized Fe0 nanoparticles were compared iron powder in the same conditions. The results show that Fe0 nanoparticles are more efficient than Fe powder. The final product of the reduction process Cr(VI) was Cr(OH)3. It was concluded that iron nanoparticles are a good choice for the removal of heavy metals in water.