Spectroscopic and computational investigation of chromium binding on pure minerals and Asopos aquifer soils

Project Information

SPECHROM

Grant agreement ID: 299302

Project closed

Start date 1 July 2013

End date 30 June 2015

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 222 483,60

EU contribution € 222 483,60

Coordinated by

ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION
Greece

Objective

This project has two parallel research objectives to transfer and expand the expertise of the U.S.-based researcher, Dr. Maria Chrysochoou to the host institution, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The first objective addresses a frequent environmental problem, the mobility of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in polluted groundwater. Surface complexation modeling relies in recent years on spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of the binding mechanisms of metal contaminants on mineral surfaces; however, very limited studies have been conducted for Cr(VI). The researcher will utilize Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations in combination with traditional sorption isotherms to study the complexation mechanisms of Cr(VI) on important sorptive surfaces (ferrihydrite, hematite, corundum and γ-alumina) under various conditions (pH, surface loading, competitive anions). The generated data will be used in future research to construct data-driven surface complexation models for Cr(VI). The second objective will be pursued as an add-on to a LIFE project coordinated by NTUA (Chromium in Asopos River System: Remediation Technologies and Measures) to guide the risk assessment and remediation efforts for this Cr(VI)-polluted area in Greece. Micro-X-ray Fluorescence, Absorption Near Edge Structure (μXANES) and Diffraction along with bulk XANES will be used to determine the binding mechanisms of Cr(VI) in the aquifer and refine the transport model and treatment design. The proposed work will build the expertise of the two participating labs (Sanitary Engineering Laboratory and Laboratory of Metallurgy) in spectroscopic techniques, adding an important element to their environmental research portfolio. Additionally, Dr. Chrysochoou will bring her diverse collaborations from the U.S. to the European Research Area, where she intends to continue her academic career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › transition metals
• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › spectroscopy › absorption spectroscopy
• engineering and technology › materials engineering › metallurgy

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Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Coordinator

ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION

• EU contribution: € 222 483,60
• Address: HEROON POLYTECHNIOU 9 ZOGRAPHOU CAMPUS ; 157 72 ATHINA ; Greece
• Region: Αττική › Aττική › Κεντρικός Τομέας Αθηνών
• Activity type: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Total cost: No data