Author(s)

M. G. O. Souza, F. T. Silva & J. F. Oliveira

Abstract

The utilization of zero-valent iron particles in the degradation of organic compounds was studied in the present work. The Orange 6 dye was selected as the organic contaminant and initial experiments have been carried out using 10 µm particles. The iron nanoparticles used in the degradation studies were produced in the laboratory. The main parameters evaluated in the experiments were the effect of pH, the metallic iron concentration and contact time. The adsorption of the organic dye onto the quartz surface was studied by zeta potential measurements. Quartz is generally one of the main constituents of the aquifer walls. The organic dye increased the negative zeta potential of quartz particles. This interaction between quartz and the dye compound should be taken into consideration in the environmental application of the zero-valent iron technology. The studies on the degradation of the Orange 6 organic dye by nanoscale iron particles showed that 98% of the dye can be degraded within 30 minutes of contact. Due to the favorable transport of nanoparticles in porous media of the groundwater aquifers and the flexibility for in situ applications, this innovative technology seems to have great prospects in the remediation of water pollution by organic compounds. Keywords: groundwater remediation, zero-valent iron, organic compounds. 1 Introduction Groundwater pollution by organic chemicals has become a matter of great concern due to the large scale production of plastics, solvents and pesticides. Organic dyes are also an important class of environmental contaminant. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential importance of nanoscale iron particles as

Keywords

groundwater remediation, zero-valent iron, organic compounds.