Leaching kinetics of acid-soluble Cr(VI) from chromite ore processing residue with hydrofluoric acid

Leaching kinetics of acid-soluble Cr(VI) in chromite ore processing residue (COPR) using hydrofluoric (HF) acid solution as a leaching agent was investigated for potential remediation of COPR with industrial waste water containing HF. The results show that HF can effectively destabilize the Cr(VI)-bearing minerals, resulting in the mobilization of Cr(VI) from COPR into the leachate. Particle size significantly influences the leaching of acid-soluble Cr(VI) from COPR, followed by leaching time, whereas the effects of HF concentration and leaching temperature are slight and the influence of stirring rate is negligible. The leaching process of acid-soluble Cr(VI) from COPR is controlled by the diffusion through the product layer. The apparent activation energy is 8.696 kJ/mol and the reaction orders with respect to HF concentration and particle size is 0.493 8 and −2.013 3, respectively.