UCLA

The removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater is an increasing area of concern. Cr(VI) is commonly found in developed water systems and is a frequent contaminant in various wastewaters. Mounting pressure for recycled water usage, along with the consideration of ingested hexavalent chromium as a human carcinogen, is driving the need to develop methods to effectively remove Cr(VI). However, the natural solubility of Cr(VI) and its toxicity at low concentrations presents a challenge to removal. This study aims to apply previously developed electrochemical reduction methods of Cr(VI) to synthetic and real wastewater solutions. Parameters such as current density were evaluated to compare Cr(VI) removal efficiencies. The results demonstrate that Cr(VI) reduction is promising in the synthetic wastewater solutions but v does not translate effectively when applied to the wastewater. Further research is needed to characterize the various parameters in the real wastewater solution inhibiting Cr(VI) removal.