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Destruction of cyanide and thiocyanate by
ferrate [Iron(VI)] A
cyanide-laden effluent of the gold mining industry must be treated before it can be
released to the aquatic environment. Current treatment methods such as natural
degradation, sulfur based, hydrogen peroxide, ozonation, and alkaline chlorination are not
adequate for meeting newer treatment standards. A new chemical oxidant that utilizes iron
in the +6 oxidation state, ferrate [Fe(VI)] was studied to oxidize cyanides in gold mill
wastewater. Reactions of cyanide and thiocyanate with Fe(VI) were analyzed to determine
kinetic parameters, stoichiometry, and products. The complete removal of cyanide and
thiocyanate can be achieved in seconds to minutes with the formation of less harmful
products. Destruction of cyanide resulted in cyanate while sulfate and cyanate were the
products of thiocyanate oxidation. Ferrate is therefore a suitable candidate as a new
environmental friendly oxidant for gold mining wastewater. |
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