Sustainable Chromium Remediation: Sorption of Chromium from Leaching Solutions of Refined

Chromium pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern, prompting extensive research into the chemical and mineralogical properties of refined ferrochrome (RFC) slag, the leaching of chromium using sulfuric acid, and the adsorption of chromium cations onto natural zeolite. The aim of the study is to analyze the chemical and mineralogical properties of purified ferrochrome slag (RFC) from the Aktobe Ferroalloy Plant and its leaching with sulfuric acid, as well as to study the effectiveness of Shankanai zeolite in the adsorption of chromium cations from a sulfuric acid solution to improve waste management in the ferrochrome industry. Semi-quantitative X-ray analysis reveals that the dominant phase in RFC slag is olivine (50.7% Ca2SiO4). The optimal chromium transition rate (16.67%) occurs in dilute H2SO4 (23%) after 145 min of leaching, while the highest transition efficiency (18.0–18.5%) is achieved at 90 °C with a leaching duration of 145–180 min. Chromium in the RFC slag cake is predominantly in the divalent state, existing as pentahydrate chromium (II) sulfate (CrSO4•5H2O). The chromium sorption process was studied in a sulfuric acid solution obtained after leaching of ferrochrome slags. The process of chromium sorption by Shankanai zeolite from sulfuric acid has been studied for the first time, and the influence of the main technological parameters of the process on the degree of its purification has been established. It was determined that the highest degree of purification of a chromium-containing sulfuric acid solution is achieved with a ratio of zeolite:chromium-containing sulfuric acid solution equal to 1:10, heated to 35 °C for 15 min, and it reaches (63.6–69.0%). The natural zeolite of the Shankanai deposit is an effective, and inexpensive sorbent for cleaning aggressive media, particularly media contaminated with chromium-containing sulfuric acid. X-ray diffraction analysis further confirmed that both chromium and sulfur ions participate in the sorption process, as evidenced by microstructural changes in the zeolite, including pore filling and smoothing observed in microphotographs. These findings underscore the potential of natural zeolite as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for the remediation of chromium-contaminated solutions following sulfuric acid leaching. Its ability to adsorb chromium ions highlights its significant applicability in environmental cleanup efforts. This study contributes to sustainability by offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for chromium removal, reducing industrial waste impact and promoting circular economy principles by utilizing natural zeolite, a readily available and recyclable adsorbent.