<p>Iron sulfide particles have shown potential as effective materials for removal of iodine species. Through redox and sorption, these particles demonstrate possible remediation pathways for ¹²⁹I. This study demonstrates the possibility of reduction and separation of iodate species present in an aqueous environment. The iodine sorption behavior of synthesized iron sulfide particles, consisting of greigite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite phases, are compared with commercially procured iron sulfide samples. Raman Spectroscopy, UV–Vis Spectroscopy, and iodine L-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy are used to observe iodate removal, redox reactions, and sorbed iodine speciation. Iron sulfide particles from hydrothermal synthesis, rich in greigite, demonstrate significant iodate removal and reduction. Redox reactions result in the formation of triiodide and sulfate in the solution, while the&#xa0;sorbed species is observed to be primarily iodate. These interactions pave the way to assess magnetic separation of ¹²⁹I from aqueous waste and to prepare a purpose-designed waste form for the sorbent.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>