Removal of Cr(VI) by Zero-valent, Iron-encapsulated Alginate Beads

Zero-valent, iron-encapsulated alginate beads were synthesized and were applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The effects of several important parameters including solution pH, contact time, initial concentration and reaction temperature on Cr(VI) removal levels were investigated in batch studies. An initial solution pH of 1.0 was seen to be most favorable for Cr(VI) removal. The removal process was quick and almost 80% of the removal was attained within 60 min. The kinetic data followed the second-order equation well. The Cr(VI) removal was almost reaction temperature-independent and decreased with an increase in Cr(VI) initial concentration. The removal of Cr(VI) by iron-encapsulated alginate beads was found to be significantly higher than that of non-encapsulated alginate beads.