Redox Kinetics of Chromium(Ⅵ) in the Presence of Aquifer Materials Amended with Ferrous Iron

The kinetics and stoichiometry of the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(Ⅵ)) with ferrous iron (Fe(II)) were examined in systems with and without aquifer solids. Cr(Ⅵ) reduction was rapid in the absence of solids, but demonstrated slower and more complex kinetics in the presence of aquifer solids. The aquifer solids removed Fe(II) from solution and a portion of the reducing capacity of Fe(II) was transferred to the aquifer solids. The solid phases were then able to continue to remove Cr(Ⅵ). This suggests in-situ treatment of Cr(Ⅵ) by Fe(II) injection would be feasible in the aquifer environment. In general, re-oxidation of reduced chromium by molecular oxygen was not observed in our systems over time periods of nearly one year.