Investigating reductive modification of granular ferric hydroxide for enhanced chromate removal

Recent toxicological findings and expected lower regulatory limits for chromate (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)) in drinking water enforce the search for practical treatment options for efficient Cr(VI) removal. Cr(VI) adsorption and chemical reduction of highly soluble Cr(VI) to much less soluble Cr(III) are the main options that have already been experimentally investigated. Granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) is an established adsorbent for different pollutants but only to a limited extent for Cr(VI). The present study aimed at enriching ferrous iron (Fe(II)) as reducing constituent in the GFH to integrate reductive capabilities and thus to enhance Cr(VI) elimination. Three different batches were prepared and analyzed with regard to elemental and mineralogical compositions in comparison to conventional GFH. Long-term column tests showed enhanced Cr(VI) elimination in the modified materials with remarkably extended run-times until breakthrough.