Understanding
the influences of ferrihydrite conversion and co-existing
substances on the migration of Cr(VI) in the co-precipitates of ferrihydrite
and Cr(VI) (Fh–Cr) is helpful in predicting the migration path
of Cr(VI). This work studied the influence of phytic acid on the immobilization
of Cr(VI) in ferrihydrite and the migration of Cr(VI) in the presence
of phytic acid and Mn(II). The results revealed that phytic acid hindered
the retention of Cr(VI) in ferrihydrite and the conversion of ferrihydrite
to goethite and hematite. Phytic acid inhibited the formation of hematite
by inhibiting ferrihydrite particle aggregation, and the combination
of phytic acid and iron ions prevented the formation of goethite.
Although phytic acid significantly retarded the conversion of Fh–Cr,
it did not hinder the migration of Cr(VI). Besides, the presence of
Mn(II) eliminated the negative effect of phytic acid on the immobilization
of Cr(VI) in ferrihydrite. The results of this study were helpful
in understanding the interaction among ferrihydrite, phytic acid,
Mn(II), and the migration path of Cr(VI) during the conversion.