Development of Ferrate(VI) Salt as an Oxidant and Coagulant for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

This paper reviews the use of ferrate (VI) for water and wastewater treatment. The literature revealed that due to its unique properties (viz. strong oxidizing potential and simultaneous generation of ferric coagulating species), ferrate (VI) salt can disinfect microorganisms, partially degrade and/or oxidise the organic and inorganic impurities, and remove suspended/colloidal particulate materials in a single dosing and mixing unit process. However, challenges have existed for the implementation of ferrate (VI) technology in practice due to the instability of a ferrate solution or high production cost of solid ferrate products. Fundamental study is thus required to explore the new preparation methods focusing on increasing the production yield and products stability and avoiding using hypochlorite or chlorine as the oxidant. Also, the application of ferrate (VI) in drinking water treatment has not been studied systematically and future work in this field is recommended.