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Soil-phase immobilization of hexavalent chromium using L-ascorbic acid - kinetics, process optimization, and
Sutanu Maiti1, Sudha Goel1, Binay K Dutta1
1Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, West Bengal, India.
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 11, 2023
Summary
L-ascorbic acid effectively remediates chromium(VI)-contaminated soil, offering an eco-friendly solution. This study details the kinetics and optimal conditions for Cr(VI) reduction, demonstrating significant soil improvement and plant growth.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Chromium(VI) contamination poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Existing remediation methods often involve harsh chemicals or are less effective.
- There is a need for sustainable and efficient Cr(VI) remediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate l-ascorbic acid as an effective and eco-friendly reagent for Cr(VI) remediation in soil.
- To investigate the kinetics and influencing factors of Cr(VI) reduction by l-ascorbic acid.
- To determine optimal conditions for Cr(VI) remediation and assess the long-term stability and ecological impact.
Main Methods:
- Soil-phase batch kinetics experiments were conducted to study Cr(VI) reduction.
- Factors investigated included Cr(VI) and l-ascorbic acid dosing, pH, soil-to-water ratio, and temperature.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzed the reduction mechanism. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized process parameters.
Main Results:
- L-ascorbic acid demonstrated high efficiency in reducing Cr(VI), achieving 98.8% reduction under optimal conditions.
- Reduction kinetics followed a second-order rate model, with optimal performance at lower pH.
- Treated soil showed decreased Cr(VI) leaching, enhanced plant growth, and increased earthworm survival rates over 75 days.
Conclusions:
- L-ascorbic acid is a superior, environmentally benign reagent for Cr(VI) soil remediation compared to other organic reductants.
- The study provides crucial kinetic data and optimal conditions for designing effective Cr(VI) remediation facilities.
- The remediation process is sustainable, with no secondary pollutants and positive ecological impacts.
