CHROMIUM ADSORPTION ONTO TITANIUM NANOPARTICLES IN VARYING WATER CHEMISTRIES

Chromium, a transition metal, is commonly used in metallurgical applications due to its resistance to corrosion and in chemical applications as sodium dichromate. Chromium exists in two stable forms in nature, Cr (III) and Cr (IV). Cr (IV) is toxic; although, Cr (III) is not. Unfortunately, the form of chromium used in almost all industrial applications is Cr (IV). It has been documented that Cr (IV) is toxic to humans, plants, and animals. The use of chromium in industrial processes creates a significant risk of prolonged human exposure to those working with the material, and contamination of the element in the environment. Research has shown chromium can be adsorbed onto TiO₂ nanoparticles. However, in other studies, the solutions used for experimentation in the lab did not reflect natural or real-world groundwater composition. This study looks to build on previous literature published and investigate chromium adsorption in differing water compositions that are more similar to natural groundwater. The methods used to complete the research will be done by geochemical batch experiments and UV-VIS spectroscopy. This will allow us to determine whether certain compounds or elements inhibit chromium adsorption in solutions that better mirror real-world groundwaters. Discovering if certain elements or compounds inhibit adsorption will provide the information necessary to deduce if this method of chromium adsorption can be applied to real-world waters. It may also help establish which natural groundwater compositions would be suitable for this specific method of remediation. The process of chromium adsorption onto nanoparticles could be proven to be of high value if it can be implemented in remediation efforts efficiently and sustainably.