Efficient reduction of Cr(VI) in groundwater by a hybrid electro-Pd process

Pd-catalytic process is effective for reducing a wide range of contaminants in groundwater. However, limited attention is paid to Cr(VI) reduction presumably due to the weakly oxidizing potential of Cr(VI) under circumneutral conditions. In this study, a new concept of in situ reducing Cr(VI) in groundwater by a hybrid electro-Pd process with automatic pH adjustments is proposed and justified. In an undivided electrolytic cell, Cr(VI) at 5 mg/L is reduced by 95% within 30 min under conditions of pH 3, 1 g/L Pd/Al2O3 and 20 mA current. Reduction of Cr(VI) increases with decreasing pH and increasing current and Pd/Al2O3 dosage. Inhibition of anodic O2 is significant but decreases with drop of pH. Atomic H is assigned as the predominant reactive species contributing to Cr(VI) reduction. Although H2O2 is effective for reducing Cr(VI), its production on Pd surface is completed inhibited by the presence of Cr(VI). The concept is ultimately justified using a specially configured three-electrode column. Cr(VI) is effectively reduced to Cr(3+) in the locally acidic Pd zone, and Cr(3+) is then precipitated in the downstream neutral zone. This hybrid electro-Pd process could be potentially applied in the in situ remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater.