Decrease of dissolved sulfide in sewage by powdered natural magnetite and hematite.

Natural magnetite and hematite were explored to decrease sulfide in sewage, compared with iron salts (FeCl3 and FeSO4). A particle size of magnetite and hematite ranging from 45 to 60μm was used. The results showed that 40mgL-1 of powdered magnetite and hematite addition decreased the sulfide in sewage by 79%and 70%, respectively. The achieved decrease of sulfide production capacities were 197.3, 210.6, 317.6 and 283.3mgSg-1Fe for magnetite, hematite, FeCl3 and FeSO4 at the optimal dosage of 40mgL-1, respectively. Magnetite and hematite provided a higher decrease of sulfide production since more iron ions are capable of being released from the solid phase, not because of adsorption capacity of per gram iron. Besides, the impact on pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of hematite addition was negligible; while magnetite addition resulted in slight increase of 0.3-0.5 on pH and 10-40mV on ORP. Powdered magnetite and hematite thus appear to be suitable for sulfide decrease in sewage, for their sparing solubility, sustained-release, long reactive time in sewage as well as cost-effectiveness, compared with iron salts. Further investigation over long time periods under practical conditions are needed to evaluate the possible settlement in sewers and unwanted (toxic) metal elements presenting as impurities. CAPSULE ABSTRACT: Powdered magnetite and hematite were more cost-effective at only 30% costs of iron salts, such as FeCl3 and FeSO4 for decreasing sulfide production in sewage. Copyright Â