Selenite retention by nanocrystalline magnetite: Role of adsorption, reduction and dissolution/co-precipitation processes

We studied selenite (SeO32-) retention by magnetite (FeIIFeIII2O4) using both surface complexation modeling and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to characterize the processes of adsorption, reduction, and dissolution/co-precipitation.
The experimental sorption results for magnetite were compared to those of goethite (FeIIIOOH) under similar conditions. Selenite sorption was investigated under both oxic and anoxic conditions and as a function of pH, ionic strength, solid-to-liquid ratio and Se concentration. Sorption onto both oxides was independent of ionic strength and decreased as pH increased, as expected for anion sorption; however, the shape of the sorption edges was different. The goethite sorption data could be modeled assuming the formation of an inner-sphere complex with iron oxide surface sites (SOH). In contrast, the magnetite sorption data at low pH could be modeled only when the dissolution of magnetite, the formation of aqueous iron–selenite species, and the subsequent surface complexation of these species were implemented. The precipitation of ferric selenite was the predominant retention process at higher selenite concentrations (>1 104 M) and pH < 5, which was in agreement with the XAS results. Sorption behavior onto magnetite was similar under oxic and anoxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions, we did not observe the reduction of selenite. Possible reasons for the absence of reduction are discussed. In conclusion, we show that under acidic reaction conditions, selenite retention by magnetite is largely influenced by dissolution and co-precipitation processes.