Are contaminated soil and groundwater remediation with nanoscale zero-valent iron sustainable? An analysis of case studies.

Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) is globally the main nanomaterial used in contaminated site remediation. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of using nZVI in the nanoremediation of contaminated sites and to determine the factors that affect the sustainability of the use of nZVI in remediation. Five case studies of nZVI use on a pilot scale were selected.

Use of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron for Remediation of Clayey Soil Contaminated with Hexavalent Chromium: Batch and Column Tests.

This study investigated the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in a clayey residual soil using nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). Five different ratios between nZVI and Cr(VI) were tested in batch tests (1000/11; 1000/23; 1000/35; 1000/70, and 1000/140 mg/mg) with the soil. With the selected proportion resulting best efficiency, the column tests were conducted, with molded specimens of 5 cm in diameter and 5 cm in height, with different nZVI injection pressures (10, 30, and 100 kPa).

Influence of nanoscale zero-valent iron on hydraulic conductivity of a residual clayey soil and modeling of the filtration parameter.

Contaminated clay soils pose problems to public health and the environment in several parts of the world. Very little is known about the transport of decontaminating agents used in remediation process under natural, undisturbed conditions. Nanomaterials, especially those made of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), have been most frequently used for remediation of contaminated soils because of their higher reactivity, lower toxicity, and lower cost than other metallic nanoparticles.

Biostimulation and rainfall infiltration: influence on retention of biodiesel in residual clayey soil.

Unlabelled: This study investigates the retention of biodiesel in residual clayey soil during biostimulation by nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) under conditions of rainfall infiltration. Several column tests were conducted in a laboratory under different void ratios (1.14, 1.