The Use of Nano Zero Valent Iron in Remediation of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater

Environmental contaminants have been known to be present in many hazardous waste sites, which made an enormous impact on the quality of groundwater, soil and associated ecosystems. Remediation of these contaminated sites is an important challenge for the scientific and technical community. Nanotechnology is a broad and interdisciplinary field dealing with structures and particles at the nanoscale. Nano Zero Valent Iron (nZVI) is emerging as a new option for the treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater. Due to the small size, the particles are more reactive than granular iron which is conventionally applied in reactive barriers and can be used for in situ treatment. NZVI effectively reduces chlorinated organic contaminants (e.g. PCB, TCE, PCE, TCA, pesticides, solvents) and also inorganic anions (perchlorate). This present research gives an overview over the characteristics and application of nano zero valent iron in general and summarizes its use in groundwater remediation.