• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.657-662
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• 2005

Iron sulfide(FeS) is significantly produced through both abiotic and biotic processes in natural sediments and pore waters. In this study, chromium(VI) reaction with iron sulfide at various initial concentrations and at pH values of 4 and 8 was conducted to better understand the interactions between Cr(VI) and Fe(II) species dissolved from iron sulfide in both the aqueous and solid phases. Also, the removal efficiency of iron sulfide was compared with zero valent iron and other iron bearing oxides such as ${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$, ${\alpha}-FeOOH$ and $Fe_3O_4$. The Cr(VI) removal rate by iron sulfide was higher at pH 4 than at pH 8 because more dissolved Fe(II) existed at pH 4 than at pH 8. Chromium and iron(oxyhydroxide) could be identified on the iron sulfide surface with transmission microscopy imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The removal capacity of iron sulfide was much higher than zero valent iron and other iron oxide minerals due to the synergic effect of hydrogen sulfide and ferrous iron.