Application of Nanosized Zero-valent Iron-Activated Persulfate for Treating Groundwater Contaminated with Phenol

Abstract

Persulfate (PS) activated with nanosized zero-valent iron (NZVI) was tested as a reagent to remove phenol from groundwater. Batch degradation experiments indicated that NZVI/PS molar ratios between 1 : 2 and 1 : 5 were appropriate for complete removal of phenol, and that the time required for complete removal varied with different PS and NZVI dosages. Chloride ions up to 100 mM enhanced the phenol oxidation rate, and nitrate of any concentration up to 100 mM did not significantly affect the oxidation rate. NZVI showed greater performance than ferrous iron did as an activator for PS. A by-product was formed along with phenol degradation but subsequently was completely degraded, which showed the potential to attain mineralization with the NZVI/PS system. Tests with radical quenchers indicated that sulfate radicals were a predominant radical. The results of this study suggest that NZVI is a promising activator of PS for treating contaminated groundwater.