Back to chromite as a mineralogical strategy for long-term chromium pollution control

Tianci Hua, Yanzhang Li, Yuxuan Hu, Rongzhang Yin, Yanan Zhang, Bingxu Hou, Houze Lu, Xiang Ji, Xiangzhi Bai, Anhuai Lu and Yan Li ()
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Tianci Hua: Peking University
Yanzhang Li: Peking University
Yuxuan Hu: Beihang University
Rongzhang Yin: Peking University
Yanan Zhang: Beihang University
Bingxu Hou: Peking University
Houze Lu: Peking University
Xiang Ji: Peking University
Xiangzhi Bai: Beihang University
Anhuai Lu: Peking University
Yan Li: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Re-oxidation of Cr(III) in treated Cr-contaminated sites poses a considerable source of Cr(VI) pollution, necessitating stable treatment solutions for long-term control. This study explores the immobilization of Cr(VI) into chromite, the most stable and weathering-resistant Cr-bearing mineral, under ambient conditions. Batch experiments demonstrate chromite formation at pH above 7 and Fe(III)/Cr(III) ratios exceeding 1, with Fe(III) occupying all tetrahedral sites, essential for stability. A theoretical model is developed to evaluate the effects of pH and Fe(III)/Cr(III) ratios on chromite crystallinity, resulting in AI4Min-Cr, a publicly accessible platform offering real-time intelligent remediation strategies. To tackle the complexities of non-point source Cr pollution, we employ microbial methods to regulate on-site Eh and pH, optimizing chromite precipitation. Long-term stability tests confirm that chromite remained stable for over 180 days, with potential for magnetic separation recovery. This study presents a mineralogical strategy to address re-oxidation and Cr resource recovery in Cr-contaminated water and soil.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57300-z

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