<i>In-Situ</i> Remediation of Cr(VI)-Contaminated Groundwater Using Permeable Reactive Walls: Laboratory Studies

Abstract

Permeable-reactive redox walls, placed below the ground surface in the path of flowing groundwater, provide an alternative remediation approach for removing electroactive chemicals from contaminated groundwater. Four types of Fe-bearing solids, siderite [FeCO3], pyrite [FeS2], coarse-grained elemental iron [Fe0], and fine-grained Fe0, were assessed for their ability to remove dissolved Cr(VI) from solution at flow rates typical of those encountered at sites of remediation. Batch studies show that the rate of Cr(VI) removal by fine-grained Fe0 is greater than that for pyrite and coarse-grained Fe0. Results from column studies suggest that partial removal of Cr(VI) by pyrite and coarse-grained Fe0 and quantitative removal of Cr(VI) by fine-grained Fe0 occur at rapid groundwater flow velocities. The removal mechanism for Cr(VI) by fine-grained Fe0 and coarse-grained Fe0 is through the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), coupled with the oxidation of Fe0 to Fe(II) and Fe(III), and the subsequent precipitation of a sparingly soluble Fe(III)−Cr(III) (oxy)hydroxide phase. Mineralogical analysis of the reactive material used in the batch tests indicates that Cr is associated with goethite (α-FeOOH). These results suggest that Cr(III) is removed either through the formation of a solid solution or by adsorption of Cr(III) onto the goethite surface. The effective removal of Cr(VI) by Fe0 under dynamic flow conditions suggests porous-reactive walls containing Fe0 may be a viable alternative for treating groundwater contaminated by Cr(VI).