Oxidation and coagulation of wastewater effluent utilizing ferrate (VI) ion

For the past several years our laboratory has been developing the technology for the use of ferrate (VI), [FeO ₄ ^2-], in water and wastewater treatment schemes. Two properties of ferrate (VI), which are displayed by its oxidation and coagulation reactions, indicate that ferrate (VI) could be an effective multi-purpose treatment chemical. Studies evaluating the reaction of ferrate (VI) with various organic compounds have been reviewed. In addition to being a selective oxidant of organic compounds, ferrate (VI) has been demonstrated to reduce THM potential and oxidize a model USEPA priority pollutant. Data has been collected under a number of different scenarios to illustrate the effectiveness of ferrate (VI) as a coagulant of turbid water systems, including secondary effluent. Current research is aimed at defining solid phase formation with ferrate ion decay in order to elucidate the mechanism of coagulation in colloidal systems. Comparative studies have been conducted which evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of ferrous, ferric, and ferrate salts in destabilization of a model colloid.