The reduction rate of Cr(VI) by Fe(0) is accelerated when mineral surfaces such as
goethite (α-FeOOH) and aluminium oxide (γ-Al2O3) are present and the pH of the solution is
low [35-36]. This reaction rate is quite fast. Therefore the oxidation of the Fe(0) and Fe(II) is
not only dependant on type of contaminants but also operating conditions [35].
The removal of arsenic by zero-valent iron does not involve reduction to metallic form
[41], it only involves surface complexation. Iron hydroxide (active phase) has to be formed on
the surface of the particles before arsenic can be bound to this material under oxidizing
conditions [41]. There are several works supporting this hypothesis [37-40]. The removal
efficiency is related to the surface area or the type of iron used and improves over time,
possibly due to pitting of the iron surface and increased surface area for sorption due to iron
corrosion and ferrous iron adsorption or precipitation [37-40]. Therefore, both As (III) and As
(V) can be removed from aqueous using zero-valent iron [37].