Reduction Behavior of Hexavalent Chromium in Alkaline Cement Systems Using Ferrous Sulfate

Doyoung Kwon; Bilguun Mend; Sungchul Bae; Yongsik Chu

doi:10.7844/kirr.2026.35.2.73

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2026 Vol.35, Issue 2 Preview Page

Research Paper

Reduction Behavior of Hexavalent Chromium in Alkaline Cement Systems Using Ferrous Sulfate 황산철을 이용한 알칼리계 시멘트 내 6가 크롬의 환원 거동

30 April 2026. pp. 73-84

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Abstract

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in cementitious materials poses significant occupational and environmental risks owing to its high solubility and toxicity under alkaline conditions. Therefore, the effective control of water-soluble Cr(VI) remains a critical requirement for cement production and use. This study investigated the reduction behavior of Cr(VI) in alkaline cement systems using ferrous sulfate as a reducing agent, particularly the dosage effects and reduction efficiency. Ordinary Portland cement was spiked with Cr(VI) to establish a controlled and reproducible test system. Ferrous sulfate was introduced at varying dosages, and the residual water-soluble Cr(VI) was quantified by UV–visible spectrophotometry using the diphenyl carbazide method. The results demonstrate a clear monotonic decrease in Cr(VI) concentration with increasing ferrous sulfate content, indicating a dose-dependent reduction response. The reduction performance depended on the hydration state of ferrous sulfate, indicating that Fe(II) availability plays a key role in chromate reduction under alkaline conditions. At appropriate dosages, Cr(VI) levels were reduced to within regulatory limits. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing the reducing agent dosage as well as mechanistic insights into Fe(II)-mediated chromate reduction in cementitious matrices, supporting safer handling and use of cement-based materials.

Keywords

Chromate reduction

Cementitious systems

Alkaline materials

Occupational safety

시멘트 재료에 존재하는 6가 크롬(Cr(VI))은 알칼리 조건에서의 높은 용해도와 독성을 나타내어 작업자 안전 및 환경 측면에서 심각한 위험 요소로 작용한다. 따라서 수용성 Cr(VI)의 효과적인 제어는 시멘트의 생산 및 사용 과정에서 여전히 중요한 요구사항으로 인식되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 환원제로 황산철을 사용하여 알칼리성 시멘트 내 Cr(VI)의 환원 거동을 조사하였으며, 특히 투입량에 따른 영향과 환원 효율에 중점을 두었다. 재현성과 신뢰성이 확보된 시험 시스템을 구축하기 위해 보통 포틀랜드 시멘트에 Cr(VI)을 인위적으로 첨가하였다. 이후 다양한 투입량의 황산철을 적용하고, 디페닐카바자이드법을 이용한 자외선–가시광선 분광광도법(UV-Vis)을 통해 잔존 수용성 Cr(VI) 농도를 정량 분석하였다. 실험결과, 황산철 첨가량이 증가함에 따라 Cr(VI) 농도가 명확하고 지속적으로 감소하는 경향을 나타내었으며, 이는 투입량에 의존적인 환원 반응 특성을 의미한다. 또한 황산철의 수화 상태에 따라 환원 성능에 차이가 나타났으며, 이는 알칼리 환경에서 크롬산염 환원 과정에 Fe(II)의 가용성이 중요한 역할을 수행함을 시사한다. 적절한 투입량 조건에서 Cr(VI) 농도가 관련 규제 기준에 부합하는 수준까지 효과적으로 저감되었다. 본 연구 결과는 효과적인 환원제 투입량 선정에 대한 실질적인 지침을 제공함과 동시에, 시멘트 매트릭스 내 Fe(II) 매개 크롬산염 환원 메커니즘에 대한 이해를 심화시켜 시멘트 기반 재료의 보다 안전한 취급 및 활용에 기여할 것으로 기대된다.

키워드

크롬 환원

시멘트계 시스템

알칼리성 재료

산업 안전

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Institute of Resources Recycling
Publisher(Ko) :한국자원리싸이클링학회
Journal Title :Resources Recycling
Journal Title(Ko) :자원리싸이클링
Volume : 35
No :2
Pages :73-84
Received Date : 2026-02-10
Revised Date : 2026-03-13; 2026-03-25
Accepted Date : 2026-03-26
DOI :https://doi.org/10.7844/kirr.2026.35.2.73

Resources Recycling ISSN:2765-3439(Print) 2765-3447(Online) 자원리싸이클링

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