US EPA

2154234 

Journal Article 

Zero-valent iron for water treatment 

Bigg, T; Judd, SJ 

2000 

Yes 

Environmental Technology
ISSN: 0959-3330
EISSN: 1479-487X 

21 

6 

661-670 

WOS:000087585100008 

The use of zero-valent iron in the treatment of hazardous water contaminants is reviewed. The review concentrates on experimental procedures employed in the investigation of a range of applications for zero-valent iron and the efficacy of the processes. Investigations reviewed include those performed with halogenated aliphatic compounds, halogenated aromatic compounds, nitro-aromatic organic compounds, and high-valency toxic metals. Experiments employing bimetallic and cementation reductants as well as zero-valent iron alone are covered. The need for zero-valent iron technology is discussed, as is the need for more rigorous investigation of operational parameters. Despite a paucity of information from the literature it has been shown that efficacy is greatest for well-mired batch or continuous column systems employing neutral to acidic pH and a high specific surface area of iron. The literature also reveals a need to focus future work on enhancing the chemical reaction taking place on the iron surface in order to enhance the rate of reductive remediation. 

zero-valent iron; bimetallics; cementation; organics; reduction