Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) has been employed as an efficient nanomaterial to remove heavy metals from aqueous solution. However, little attention has been placed on the influence of groundwater anions (e.g. nitrate) on heavy metals' removal performance by nZVI. In this study we find that nitrate can react with nZVI violently (not merely passivating the surface of nanoparticles), producing ammonium and iron oxide. The reaction results in increase in pH, which facilitates the precipitation of heavy metals significantly. However, heavy metals previously deposited on nZVI could potentially re-dissolve into water due to changes in surface and water chemistries. Also, ammonium, a poisonous pollutant, could bind with metal ions, making treatment more difficult. Hence, studying the effect of nitrate on transformation of nZVI and heavy metals' transfer on interface of nanoparticle and water is vital to nZVI's application in cleanup of heavy metal contaminated waters.

Influences of nitrate on heavy metals removal performance by nanoscale zerovalent iron

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.