The sorption of selenite from aqueous solutions onto hematite was investigated as a function of pH (2-12), ionic strength (0.01-0.1 M), and concentration of selenium (10(-7)-10(-2) M). The sorption may proceed according to two processes: surface complexation, followed by the precipitation of ferric selenite starting at approximate [Se] = 4 x 10(-4) M (surface coverage > ca. 2 at nm(-2)). The sorption isotherms have been fitted by a Tempkin equation. A surface complexation model (2-pK/Constant Capacitance Model) was used to fit the sorption data. The nature of the surface species of selenite cannot be determined by modeling since monodentate > FeO-Se(O)O- or > FeO-Se(O)OH and bidentate (> FeO)(2)SeO Surface complexes are both able to fit the experimental data. The reversibility and kinetics of sorption were also studied. The affinity of selenite ions toward hematite, expressed as the distribution coefficient with respect to the surface area (K-D in Lm(-2)), was compared with results published for other ferric oxides (goethite and amorphous ferric oxide). It was found that the reactivity toward selenite is similar, contrary to acid-base properties which depend on the nature of the oxide and its level of purity. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.