Removal of selenocyanate from water using elemental iron.
Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the removal of selenocyanate (SeCN-) from oil refinery wastewater and artificial wastewater with elemental iron [Fe(0)]. The chemical forms of selenium in the reacted solids were determined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a sulfite extraction procedure. SeCN- was effectively removed from the wastewater with Fe(0) filings when the water pH was controlled at approximately 6. SeCN- was removed by Fe(0) through the formation of elemental selenium [Se(0)] and ferrous selenide. The possible chemical reactions between SeCN- and Fe(0) included deselenation of SeCN- and electrochemical reduction of Se(0) to selenide. A cost-effective process may be developed for the treatment of SeCN- in wastewater using Fe(0).
D003485:Cyanates / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D007501:Iron / Q000737:chemistry*; D010578:Petroleum; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D003485:Cyanates; D007220:Industrial Waste; D010578:Petroleum; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C053721:selenocyanic acid; D007501:Iron