Chromate removal as influenced by the structural changes of soil components upon carbonization at different temperatures

Abstract

Surface fire could induce heat transferring into the soil, creating a carbonized environment, which may alter the chemical compositions of soil organic matters (SOM). In the study, a surface soil was carbonized at up to 600 degrees C with limited air to simulate soils experiencing a surface fire, and Cr(VI) removal on the carbonized soils was investigated. NMR and FTIR analyses demonstrated a remarkable change of SOM structures at 300-400 degrees C. TGA-MS spectra indicated that (e.g. C2H4, CH3OH and C3H8) were the major components in the evolved gases from the pyrolyzed soil. A maximum amount of Cr(VI) removal (ca. 4 mg g(-1) soil) occurred for the 200 degrees C-carbonized soils, attributed mainly to a significant increase of Cr(VI) reduction by 0.1 M KCl extractable organic carbon (EOC) with abundant carboxylic groups. Nonetheless, the formation of aromatic C upon carbonization of the soil at >400 degrees C may be responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.