2.2 Removal of Heavy Metals
Zero-valent iron has been widely studied for removal of heavy metals such as chromium,
arsenic [3, 34-40]. The degradation mechanisms are based on transformation from toxic to
non-toxic forms or adsorption on the iron surface depending on the type of heavy metals.
The removal of chromium by zero-valent iron is based on transformation from toxic to
non-toxic forms. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), which is a strong oxidant, a potential
carcinogen and more mobile in soils and aquifers, is transformed to trivalent chromium
(Cr(III)), which is less hazardous and less water soluble and associated with solids [3-4]. The
reduction rate of Cr(VI) by Fe(0) produces ferric ion (Fe(III)) and chromium ion (Cr(III))
(equation 6). Chromium (III) may be removed through the precipitation or co-precipitation in
terms of mixed Fe(III) and Cr(III) hydroxide as shown in equation 7 [34] or equation 8