Effects of ionic strength, background electrolytes, heavy metals, and redox-active species on the reduction of hexavalent chromium by Ecklonia biomass

The biomass of the brown seaweed, Ecklonia, was used to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater. Previously, Cr(VI) was removed through its reduction to Cr(III) when brought into contact with the biomass. In this study, the effects of ionic strength, background electrolytes, and Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) on the Cr(VI) reduction were examined. An increased ionic strength inhibited the Cr(VI) reduction. The presence of other heavy metals, such as Cr(III), Ni(II), or Zn(II), only slightly affected the Cr(VI) reduction, while Fe(III) enhanced the reduction. Although the above various parameters could affect the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by Ecklonia biomass, these effects were relatively smaller than those of pH and temperature. In addition, the previously derived rate equation was found to be applicable over a range of ionic strengths and with different background electrolytes. In conclusion, Ecklonia biomass may be a good candidate as a biosorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewaters containing various other impurities, and scale-up to a practical process may be accomplished using the previously derived rate equation.