Evaluation of the effects of shaking intensity on the process of methylene blue discoloration by metallic iron

Unraveling the interplay of common groundwater ions in arsenic removal by sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron

Sulphidation of nZVI (S-nZVI) has shown to significantly improve the arsenic removal capacity of nZVI, concurrently modifying the sequestration mechanism. However, to better apply S-nZVI for groundwater arsenic remediation, the impact of groundwater coexisting ions on the efficacy of arsenic uptake by S-nZVI needs to be investigated. This present study evaluates the potential of S-nZVI to remove arsenic in the presence of typical groundwater coexisting ions such as Cl-, HA, HCO3-, PO43- and SO42- through batch adsorption experiments. Individually, PO43- and HA had a dominant inhibition effect, while SO42- promoted As(III) removal by S-nZVI. Conversely, for As(V) removal, HCO3- and SO42- impeded the removal process. X-ray spectroscopic investigation suggests that the coexisting ions can either compete with arsenic for the adsorption sites, influence the S-nZVI corrosion rates and/or generate distinct corrosion products, thereby interfering with arsenic removal by S-nZVI. To investigate the cumulative effects of these ions, a 25-1 Fractional Factorial Design of experiments was employed, wherein the concentration of all the ions were varied simultaneously in an optimized manner, and their impact on arsenic removal by S-nZVI was observed. Our results shows that when these ions are present concurrently, PO43-, SO42- and HA still exerted a dominant influence on As(III) removal, whereas HCO3- was the main ions affecting As(V) removal, although the combined influence of the ions was not merely a summation of their individual effects. Overall, the finding of our study might provide valuable insight for predicting the actual performance of S-nZVI in field-scale applications for the remediation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

Potential use of dry powder of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. rhizomes and leaves in methylene blue dye remediation

Phytoremediation is a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for wastewater treatment. Herein, the dry biomasses of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. leaves (PL) and rhizomes including aerial stems (PR) were used to effectively remediate methylene blue (MB) dyes. Interestingly, the adsorption uptake and removal efficiency of MB by PR were higher than those of PL; exceeding 97 and 91% in 35 and 25 min for 0.1 and 0.4 g/L MB, respectively. The MB diffusion within the PL and PR was insignificant and the adsorption kinetics was principally controlled by the surface MB-adsorbent interaction, as consistently approved by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In addition, the adsorption increased rapidly with the plant dosage with high dependence on the initial MB concentration. Moreover, the impact of shaking speed on the adsorption was minor but temperature played a critical role where the highest efficiencies were recorded at 30 and 40 °C on PL (91.9%) and PR (93.3%), respectively. The best removal efficiencies were attained with PR at pH 6, but with PL at pH 8. The Temkin isotherm could perfectly simulate the experimental data (R2 > 0.97); suggesting a linear decrease of the adsorption heat of MB with the plant coverage.

Investigating the Fe0/H2O systems using the methylene blue method: Validity, applications, and future directions

An innovative approach to characterize the reactivity of metallic iron (Fe⁰) for aqueous contaminant removal has been in use for a decade: The methylene blue method (MB method). The approach considers the differential adsorptive affinity of methylene blue (MB) for sand and iron oxides. The MB method characterizes MB discoloration by sand as it is progressively coated by in-situ generated iron corrosion products (FeCPs) to deduce the extent of iron corrosion. The MB method is a semi-quantitative tool that has successfully clarified some contradicting reports on the Fe⁰/H₂O system. Moreover, it has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for routine tests in the Fe⁰ remediation industry, including quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC). However, MB is widely used as a 'molecular probe' to characterize the Fe⁰/H₂O system, for instance for wastewater treatment. Thus, there is scope to avoid confusion created by the multiple uses of MB in Fe⁰/H₂O systems. The present communication aims at filling this gap by presenting the science of the MB method, and its application and limitations. It is concluded that the MB method is very suitable for Fe⁰ material screening and optimization of operational designs. However, the MB method only provides semi-quantitative information, but gives no data on the solid-phase characterization of solid Fe⁰ and its reaction products. In other words, further comprehensive investigations with microscopic and spectroscopic surface and solid-state analyses are needed to complement results from the MB method.

Metallic Iron for Environmental Remediation: Starting an Overdue Progress in Knowledge

A critical survey of the abundant literature on environmental remediation and water treatment using metallic iron (Fe0) as reactive agent raises two major concerns: (i) the peculiar properties of the used materials are not properly considered and characterized, and, (ii) the literature review in individual publications is very selective, thereby excluding some fundamental principles. Fe0 specimens for water treatment are typically small in size. Before the advent of this technology and its application for environmental remediation, such small Fe0 particles have never been allowed to freely corrode for the long-term spanning several years. As concerning the selective literature review, the root cause is that Fe0 was considered as a (strong) reducing agent under environmental conditions. Subsequent interpretation of research results was mainly directed at supporting this mistaken view. The net result is that, within three decades, the Fe0 research community has developed itself to a sort of modern knowledge system. This communication is a further attempt to bring Fe0 research back to the highway of mainstream corrosion science, where the fundamentals of Fe0 technology are rooted. The inherent errors of selected approaches, currently considered as countermeasures to address the inherent limitations of the Fe0 technology are demonstrated. The misuse of the terms “reactivity”, and “efficiency”, and adsorption kinetics and isotherm models for Fe0 systems is also elucidated. The immense importance of Fe0/H2O systems in solving the long-lasting issue of universal safe drinking water provision and wastewater treatment calls for a science-based system design.

Metallic iron for environmental remediation: A review of reviews

This article critically evaluates recent review articles on using metallic iron (Fe(0)) for environmental remediation in order to provide insight for more efficient Fe(0)-based systems. The presentation is limited to peer-reviewed articles published during 2014 and 2015, excluding own contributions, dealing mostly with granular Fe(0). A literature search was conducted up to June 15th 2015 using Science Direct, SCOPUS, Springer and Web of Science databases. The search yielded eight articles that met the final inclusion criteria. The evaluation clearly shows that seven articles provide a narrative description of processes occurring in the Fe(0)/H20 system according to the concept that Fe(0) is a reducing agent. Only one article clearly follows a different path, presenting Fe(0) as a generator of adsorbing (hydroxides, oxides) and reducing (Fe(II), H/H2) agents. The apparent discrepancies between the two schools are identified and extensively discussed based on the chemistry of the Fe(0)/H20 system. The results of this evaluation indicate clearly that research on 'Fe(0) for environmental remediation' is in its infancy. Despite the current paucity of reliable data for the design of efficient Fe(0)-based systems, this review demonstrates that sensible progress could be achieved within a short period of time, specific recommendations to help guide future research are suggested.

Removal of cationic dye methylene blue by zero-valent iron: Effects of pH and dissolved oxygen on removal mechanisms

Effects of pH and dissolved oxygen on mechanisms for decolorization and total organic carbon (TOC) removal of cationic dye methylene blue (MB) by zero-valent iron (ZVI) were systematically examined. Decolorization and TOC removal of MB by ZVI are attributed to the four potential mechanisms, i.e. reduction, degradation, precipitation and adsorption. The contributions of four mechanisms were quantified at pH 3.0, 6.0 and 10.0 in the oxic and anoxic systems. The maximum efficiencies of decolorization and TOC removal of MB were found at pH 6.0. The TOC removal efficiencies at pH 3.0 and 10.0 were 11.0 and 17.0%, respectively which were considerably lower as compared with 68.1% at pH 6.0. The adsorption, which was favorable at higher pH but was depressed by the passive layer formed on the ZVI surface at alkaline conditions, characterized the effects of pH on decolorization and TOC removal of MB. The efficiencies of decolorization and TOC removal at pH 6.0 under the anoxic condition were 73.0 and 59.0%, respectively, which were comparable to 79.9 and 55.5% obtained under the oxic condition. In the oxic and anoxic conditions, however, the contributions of removal mechanisms were quite different. Although the adsorption dominated the decolorization and TOC removal under the oxic condition, the contribution of precipitation was largely superior to that of adsorption under the anoxic condition.

Comment on "Reductive dechlorination of γ-hexachloro-cyclohexane using Fe-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles" by Nagpal et al. [J. Hazard. Mater. 175 (2010) 680-687]

The author used a recent article on lindane (γ-hexachloro-cyclohexane) reductive dechlorination by Fe/Pd bimetallics to point out that many other of published works in several journals do not conform to the state-of-the-art knowledge on the mechanism of aqueous contaminant removal by metallic iron (e.g. in Fe(0)/H(2)O systems). It is the author's view that the contribution of adsorbed Fe(II) to the process of contaminant reduction has been neglected while discussing the entire process of contaminant reduction in the presence of bimetallics.

Rapid dechlorination of chlorophenols in aqueous solution by [Ni|Cu] microcell

The [Ni|Cu] microcell was prepared by mixing the Ni(0) and Cu(0) particles. The composition and crystal form were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. The results evidenced the zero-valence metals Ni and Cu were exposed on the surface of particles mixture. The [Ni|Cu] microcell was employed to decompose chlorophenols in aqueous solution by reductive dechlorination. The dechlorination rates of chlorophenols by [Ni|Cu] were >10 times faster than those by [Fe|Cu], [Zn|Cu], [Sn|Cu], and [Fe|Ni] mixtures under the same conditions. [Ni|Cu] is different from other zero valent metals (ZVMs) in that it performed the best at neutral pH. The main products of chlorophenol dechlorination were cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. The reduction kinetics was between pseudo zero-order and first-order, depending on the pH, concentration, and temperature. These results, combined with electrochemical analysis, suggested that Ni(0) acted as a reductant and catalyst in dechlorination reaction. The H* corridor mechanism from Ni(0) to Cu(0) was also proposed based on hydrogen spillover. The inhibition on the release of Ni(2+) by adding natural organic matters and adjusting pH was investigated.

Designing laboratory metallic iron columns for better result comparability

Despite the amount of data available on investigating the process of aqueous contaminant removal by metallic iron (Fe(0)), there is still a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the design of Fe(0) beds for laboratory testing to determine the suitability of Fe(0) materials for field applications. Available data were obtained under various operating conditions (e.g., column characteristics, Fe(0) characteristics, contaminant characteristics, oxygen availability, solution pH) and are hardly comparable to each other. The volumetric expansive nature of iron corrosion has been univocally reported as major drawback for Fe(0) beds. Mixing Fe(0) with inert materials has been discussed as an efficient tool to improve sustainability of Fe(0) beds. This paper discusses some problems associated with the design of Fe(0) beds and proposes a general approach for the characterization of Fe(0) beds. Each Fe(0) column should be characterized by its initial porosity, the composition of the steady phase and the volumetric proportion of individual materials. Used materials should be characterized by their density, porosity, and particle size. This work has introduced simple and reliable mathematical equations for column design, which include the normalisation of raw experimental data prior to any data treatment.

Effects of dissolved oxygen on dye removal by zero-valent iron

Effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations on dye removal by zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) were investigated. The Vibrio fischeri light inhibition test was employed to evaluate toxicity of decolorized solution. Three dyes, Acid Orange 7 (AO7, monoazo), Reactive Red 120 (RR120, diazo), and Acid Blue 9 (AB9, triphenylmethane), were selected as model dyes. The dye concentration and Fe(0) dose used were 100 mg L(-1) and 30 g L(-1), respectively. Under anoxic condition, the order for dye decolorization was AO7>RR120>AB9. An increase in the dissolved oxygen concentrations enhanced decolorization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of the three dyes. An increase in gas flow rates also improved dye and COD removals by Fe(0). At dissolved oxygen of 6 mg L(-1), more than 99% of each dye was decolorized within 12 min and high COD removals were obtained (97% for AO7, 87% for RR120, and 93% for AB9). The toxicity of decolorized dye solutions was low (I(5)<40%). An increase in DO concentrations obviously reduced the toxicity. When DO above 2 mg L(-1) was applied, low iron ion concentration (13.6 mg L(-1)) was obtained in the decolorized AO7 solution.

Arsenate removal from water by zero-valent iron/activated carbon galvanic couples

Galvanic couples composed of zero-valent iron and activated carbon (Fe(0)/AC) were investigated for As(V) removal from water. The effects of Fe(0) to AC mass ratio (FCR), solution pH, ionic strength and co-existing anions (phosphate, carbonate, silicate, nitrate, chloride and sulfate) and humic acid (HA) on As(V) removal were evaluated. The results showed that the optimum mass ratio was 1:1, and Fe(0)/AC with this ratio was more effective for As(V) removal than Fe(0) and AC alone at pH of 7 and ion strength of 0.03 M NaCl. The enhanced performance for As(V) removal was fulfilled through an accelerated corrosion process of Fe(0), which meant more corrosion products for efficient As(V) removal. The As(V) removal followed a pseudo-first order reaction. The rate constants (k) for 1:1 Fe(0)/AC and Fe(0) alone were 0.802 and 0.330 h(-1), respectively. Potentiodynamic polarization scans further confirmed that Fe(0) corrosion was promoted when Fe(0) was coupled with AC. Except silicates, other co-existing anions promoted As(V) removal. No reduction form of As (As(III) or As(0)) could be detected on iron corrosion products (ICPs) and in solutions. Identified ICPs included poorly crystallized lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH) and magnetite/maghemite (Fe(3)O(4)/gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) for both of Fe(0)/AC and Fe(0) systems. In conclusion, the Fe(0)/AC couple exhibited higher As removal performance than that of Fe(0) alone from water.

Aqueous removal of diclofenac by plated elemental iron: bimetallic systems

The aqueous removal of diclofenac (DF) by micrometric iron particles (Fe(0)) and amended Fe(0) (Me(0)(Fe(0))) under oxic and anoxic conditions was investigated. Bimetallic systems were obtained by plating the surface of Fe with Co, Cu, Ir, Ni, Pd and Sn. Experimental results confirmed the superiority of (Me(0)(Fe(0))) for DF removal except for IrFe (oxic) and SnFe (anoxic). Under anoxic conditions, Pd was by far the most efficient plating element followed by Ir, Ni, Cu, Co and Sn. However, under oxic conditions, Pd and Cu showed almost the same efficiency in removing DF followed by Ni, Co, Sn and Ir. Oxidative and reductive DF transformation products were identified under oxic and anoxic conditions respectively. In some systems (e.g. CoFe and SnFe oxic/anoxic; PdFe oxic; NiFe anoxic), no transformation products could be detected. This was ascribed to the nature of the plating element and its impact on the process of the formation of metal corrosion products (MCPs). MCPs are known for their high potential to strongly adsorb, bond, sequestrate and enmesh both the original contaminant and its reaction products. Obtained results corroborate the universal validity of the view, that aqueous contaminants are basically removed by adsorption and co-precipitation.

Elemental metals for environmental remediation: learning from cementation process

The further development of Fe(0)-based remediation technology depends on the profound understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process of aqueous contaminant removal. The view that adsorption and co-precipitation are the fundamental contaminant removal mechanisms is currently facing a harsh scepticism. Results from electrochemical cementation are used to bring new insights in the process of contaminant removal in Fe(0)/H(2)O systems. The common feature of hydrometallurgical cementation and metal-based remediation is the heterogeneous nature of the processes which inevitably occurs in the presence of a surface scale. The major difference between both processes is that the surface of remediation metals is covered by layers of own oxide(s) while the surface of the reducing metal in covered by porous layers of the cemented metal. The porous cemented metal is necessarily electronic conductive and favours further dissolution of the reducing metal. For the remediation metal, neither a porous layer nor a conductive layer could be warrant. Therefore, the continuation of the remediation process depends on the long-term porosity of oxide scales on the metal surfaces. These considerations rationalized the superiority of Fe(0) as remediation agent compared to thermodynamically more favourable Al(0) and Zn(0). The validity of the adsorption/co-precipitation concept is corroborated.

Investigating the mechanism of clofibric acid removal in Fe(0)/H2O systems

Since the introduction of iron wall technology, the inherent relationship between contaminant removal and iron corrosion has been mostly attributed to electron transfer from the metal body (direct reduction). This thermodynamically founded premise has failed to explain several experimental facts. Recently, a new concept considering adsorption and co-precipitation as fundamental contaminant removal mechanisms was introduced. This consistent concept has faced very skeptic views and necessarily needs experimental validation. The present work was the first independent attempt to validate the new concept using clofibric acid (CLO) as model compound. For this purpose, a powdered Fe(0) material (Fe(0)) was used in CLO removal experiments under various experimental conditions. Additional experiments were performed with plated Fe(0) (mFe(0): Fe(0)/Pd(0), Fe(0)/Ni(0)) to support the discussion of removal mechanism. Main investigated experimental variables included: abundance of O(2), abundance of iron corrosion products (ICPs) and shaking operations. Results corroborated the concept that quantitative contaminant removal in Fe(0)/H(2)O systems occurs within the oxide-film in the vicinity of Fe(0). Additionally, mixing type and shaking intensity significantly influenced the extent of CLO removal. More importantly, HPLC/MS revealed that the identity of reaction products depends on the extent of iron corrosion or the abundance of ICPs. The investigation of the CLO/Fe(0)/H(2)O system disproved the popular view that direct reduction mediates contaminant removal in the presence of Fe(0).

Metallic iron for environmental remediation: learning from electrocoagulation

The interpretation of processes yielding aqueous contaminant removal in the presence of elemental iron (e.g. in Fe(0)/H(2)O systems) is subject to numerous complications. Reductive transformations by Fe(0) and its primary corrosion products (Fe(II) and H/H(2)) as well as adsorption onto and co-precipitation with secondary and tertiary iron corrosion products (iron hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, and mixed valence Fe(II)/Fe(III) green rusts) are considered the main removal mechanisms on a case-to-case basis. Recent progress involving adsorption and co-precipitation as fundamental contaminant removal mechanisms have faced a certain scepticism. This work shows that results from electrocoagulation (EC), using iron as sacrificial electrode, support the adsorption/co-precipitation concept. It is reiterated that despite a century of commercial use of EC, the scientific understanding of the complex chemical and physical processes involved is still incomplete.

Exploring the influence of operational parameters on the reactivity of elemental iron materials

In an attempt to characterize material intrinsic reactivity, iron dissolution from elemental iron materials (Fe(0)) was investigated under various experimental conditions in batch tests. Dissolution experiments were performed in a dilute solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na(2)-EDTA - 2mM). The dissolution kinetics of 18 Fe(0) materials were investigated. The effects of individual operational parameters were assessed using selected materials. The effects of available reactive sites [Fe(0) particle size (<or=2.0mm) and metal loading (2-64 g L(-1))], mixing type (air bubbling, shaking), shaking intensity (0-250 min(-1)), and Fe(0) pre-treatment (ascorbate, HCl and EDTA washing) were investigated. The data were analysed using the initial dissolution rate (k(EDTA)). The results show increased iron dissolution with increasing reactive sites (decreasing particle size or increasing metal loading), and increasing mixing speed. Air bubbling and material pre-treatment also lead to increased iron dissolution. The main output of this work is that available results are hardly comparable as they were achieved under very different experimental conditions. A unified experimental procedure for the investigation of processes in Fe(0)/H(2)O systems is suitable. Alternatively, a parameter (tau(EDTA)) is introduced which could routinely used to characterize Fe(0) reactivity under given experimental conditions.