Arsenate remediation using nanosized modified zerovalent iron particles

Remediation of arsenic-contaminated water by green zero-valent iron nanoparticles

The optimal conditions for the green synthesis of nano zero-valent iron (G-NZVI) using mango peel extract were investigated using a Box-Behnken design approach. Three factors were considered, namely the ratio of iron solution to mango peel extract ratio (1:1-1:3), feeding rate of mango peel extract (1-5 mL min-1), and agitation speed (300-350 rpm). The results showed that the optimal conditions for the synthesis of G-NZVI for arsenate removal were a 1:1 ratio of iron solution to mango peel extract, a mango peel extract feeding rate of 5 mL min-1, and an agitation speed of 300 rpm. Under these conditions, nearly 100% arsenate removal was achieved. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) methods were used to characterize the properties of the G-NZVI. Finally, the arsenate removal efficiency of the G-NZVI was compared against that of commercial nano zero-valent iron (C-NZVI). The results revealed that the G-NZVI was roughly five times more efficient at arsenate removal than the C-NZVI. The influence of background species such as chloride (Cl-), phosphate (PO43-), calcium (Ca2+), and sulfate (SO42-) was studied to evaluate their effects on arsenate removal. As a result, Cl- and Ca2+ were shown to play a role in promoting arsenate removal, whereas SO42- and PO43- were observed to play an inhibiting role.

Efficient Arsenate Decontamination from Water Using MgO-Itsit Biochar Composite: An Equilibrium, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Study

(1) Background: In this investigation, a composite of MgO nanoparticles with Itsit biochar (MgO-IBC) has been used to remove arsenate from contaminated water. The reduced adsorption capacity of biochar (IBC), due to loss of functionalities under pyrolysis, is compensated for with the composite MgO-IBC. (2) Methods: Batch scale adsorption experiments were conducted by using MgO-IBC as an adsorbent for the decontamination of arsenate from water. Functional groups, elemental composition, surface morphology, and crystallinity of the adsorbent were investigated by using FTIR, EDX, SEM and XRD techniques. The effect of pH on arsenate adsorption by MgO-IBC was evaluated in the pH range of 2 to 8, whereas the temperature effect was investigated in the range of 303 K to 323 K. (3) Results: Both pH and temperature were found to significantly influence the overall adsorption efficiency of MgO-IBC for arsenate adsorption with lower pH and higher temperature being suitable for higher arsenate adsorption. A kinetics study of arsenate adsorption confirmed an equilibrium time of 240 min and a pseudo-second-order model well-explained the kinetic adsorption data, whereas the Langmuir model best fitted with the equilibrium arsenate adsorption data. The spontaneity and the chemisorptive nature of arsenate adsorption was confirmed by enthalpy, entropy, and activation energy. Comparison of adsorbents in the literature with the current study indicates that MgO-IBC composite has better adsorption capacity for arsenate adsorption than several previously explored adsorbents. (4) Conclusions: The higher adsorption capacity of MgO-IBC confirms its suitability and efficient utilization for the removal of arsenate from water.

Performance, Reaction Pathway and Kinetics of the Enhanced Dechlorination Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol by Fe/Ni Nanoparticles Supported on Attapulgite Disaggregated by a Ball Milling-Freezing Process

Attapulgite (ATP) disaggregated by a ball milling–freezing process was used to support Fe/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (nFe/Ni) to obtain a composite material of D-ATP-nFe/Ni for the dechlorination degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), thus improving the problem of agglomeration and oxidation passivation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nFe) in the dechlorination degradation of chlorinated organic compounds. The results show that Fe/Ni nanoparticle clusters were dispersed into single spherical particles by the ball milling–freezing-disaggregated attapulgite, in which the average particle size decreased from 423.94 nm to 54.51 nm, and the specific surface area of D-ATP-nFe /Ni (97.10 m²/g) was 6.9 times greater than that of nFe/Ni (14.15 m²/g). Therefore, the degradation rate of 2,4-DCP increased from 81.9% during ATP-nFe/Ni application to 96.8% during D-ATP-nFe/Ni application within 120 min, and the yield of phenol increased from 57.2% to 86.1%. Meanwhile, the reaction rate K_obs of the degradation of 2,4-DCP by D-ATP-nFe/Ni was 0.0277 min⁻¹, which was higher than that of ATP-nFe/Ni (0.0135 min⁻¹). In the dechlorination process of 2,4-DCP by D-ATP-nFe/Ni, the reaction rate for the direct dechlorination of 2,4-DCP of phenol (k₅ = 0.0156 min⁻¹) was much higher than that of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP, k₂ = 0.0052 min⁻¹) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP, k₁ = 0.0070 min⁻¹), which suggests that the main dechlorination degradation pathway for the removal of 2,4-DCP by D-ATP-nFe/Ni was directly reduced to phenol by the removal of two chlorine atoms. In the secondary pathway, the removal of one chlorine atom from 2,4-DCP to generate 2-CP or 4-CP as intermediate was the rate controlling step. The final dechlorination product (phenol) was obtained when the dechlorination rate accelerated with the progress of the reaction. This study contributes to the broad topic of organic pollutant treatment by the application of clay minerals.

Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater and Its Implications for Drinking Water Quality and Human Health in Under-Developed Countries and Remote Communities—A Review

Arsenic is present naturally in many geological formations around the world and has been found to be a major source of contamination of groundwater in some countries. This form of contamination represents a serious threat to health, economic and social well-being, particularly in under-developed countries and remote communities. The chemistry of arsenic and the factors that influence the form(s) in which it may be present and its fate when introduced into the environment is discussed briefly in this review. A global overview of arsenic contamination of groundwater around the world is then discussed. As a case study, the identified and established causes of groundwater contamination by arsenic in Bangladesh is highlighted and a perspective is provided on the consequential health, agricultural, social and economic impacts. In addition, the relevant removal strategies that have been developed and can generally be used to remediate arsenic contamination are discussed. Also, the possible influence of groundwater inorganic compositions, particularly iron and phosphate, on the effectiveness of arsenic removal is discussed. Furthermore, some specific examples of the filter systems developed successfully for domestic arsenic removal from groundwater to provide required potable water for human consumption are discussed. Lastly, important considerations for further improving the performance and effectiveness of these filter systems for domestic use are outlined.

Remediation of contaminated soils by enhanced nanoscale zero valent iron

The use of nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) for in situ remediation of soil contamination caused by heavy metals and organic pollutants has drawn great concern, primarily owing to its potential for excellent activity, low cost and low toxicity. This reviews considers recent advances in our understanding of the role of nZVI and enhanced nZVI strategy in the remediation of heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants polluted soil. The performance, the migration and transformation of nZVI affected by the soil physical and chemical conditions are summarized. However, the addition of nZVI inevitably disturbs the soil ecosystem, thus the impacts of nZVI on soil organisms are discussed. In order to further investigate the remediation effect of nZVI, physical, chemical and biological method combination with nZVI was developed to enhance the performance of nZVI. From a high efficient and environmentally friendly perspective, biological method enhanced nZVI technology will be future research needs. Possible improvement of nZVI-based materials and potential areas for further applications in soil remediation are also proposed.

Comparing different commercial zero valent iron nanoparticles to immobilize As and Hg in brownfield soil

Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) particles obtained by different methods differ in their structure, which lead to different reactivity, and therefore a likely difference in the remediation efficiency. The present study compares the effectiveness of three commercial ZVI nanoparticles to immobilize As and Hg in two soils (A and B) collected from a brownfield highly contaminated by mining and metallurgy activities. Scarce data are available on the effectiveness of nZVI for Hg immobilization in soil. Two commercial nZVI slurries from Toda (RNIP and RNIP-D) and one from Nano Iron (25S) were used at different doses (1, 5 and 10%). The metal(loid) availability and mobility was evaluated with the TCLP test and Tessier extraction procedure. The influence of nZVI application on As and Hg speciation was also evaluated as well as its impact on soil pH, electrical conductivity and soil phytotoxicity to vetch germination. The three commercial nZVI particles significantly reduced As and Hg availability in the two soils studied, which led to a decrease in soil phytotoxicity. At the dose of 5% of nZVI a decrease of exchangeable-As higher than 70% was observed for both soils, whereas in the case of Hg, a higher dose of nZVI (10%) was necessary to achieve reductions of exchangeable-Hg between 63 and 90% depending on the type of nZVI and soil. No impact on soil pH and electrical conductivity was observed. The effectiveness of metal(loid) immobilization depended on type of nZVI, soil properties and metal(loid) characteristics. Nanoparticles from Nano Iron showed better results for As immobilization whereas RNIP nanoparticles were more effective for Hg. Overall, 25S at the dose of 5% resulted more effective than RNIP nanoparticles for the reduction of exchangeable-As (in the range of 6-14%), whereas RNIP and RNIP-D were 10 and 13% more effective, respectively, for the reduction of exchangeable-Hg at the dose of 10% in soil B. Thus, nZVI can be used for the remediation of highly As and Hg polluted soils, although previous experiments at lab scale are necessary to determine the most viable type of nZVI and its dose.

Nanoscale zero-valent metals: a review of synthesis, characterization, and applications to environmental remediation

Engineered nanoscale zero-valent metals (NZVMs) representing the forefront of technologies have been considered as promising materials for environmental remediation and antimicrobial effect, due to their high reducibility and strong adsorption capability. This review is focused on the methodology for synthesis of bare NZVMs, supported NZVMs, modified NZVMs, and bimetallic systems with both traditional and green methods. Recent studies have demonstrated that self-assembly methods can play an important role for obtaining ordered, controllable, and tunable NZVMs. In addition to common characterization methods, the state-of-the-art methods have been developed to obtain the properties of NZVMs (e.g., granularity, size distribution, specific surface area, shape, crystal form, and chemical bond) with the resolution down to subnanometer scale. These methods include spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-corrected STEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). A growing body of experimental data has proven that nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is highly effective and versatile. This article discusses the applications of NZVMs to treatment of heavy metals, halogenated organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nutrients, radioelements, and microorganisms, using both ex situ and in situ methods. Furthermore, this paper briefly describes the ecotoxicological effects for NZVMs and the research prospects related to their synthesis, modification, characterization, and applications.

A nanoremediation strategy for the recovery of an As-polluted soil

The present study investigates the impact of the nanoremediation treatment on soil recovery as evaluated by the development of barley plants. Highly As-polluted brownfield soil was treated with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) commercial suspension at two doses (1% and 10%). Barley plants were cultivated in treated and untreated soils in a growth chamber, and the As, Fe, and nutrients uptake were determined. The efficacy of As immobilization was evaluated according to the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) as well as using a sequential extraction procedure. The application of nZVI reduced the amount of As in the more available fractions and increased the amount of As in the residual fraction. The best immobilization results were obtained for the highest dose of nZVI (10%). In turn, the lower availability of As in nZVI-treated soils, particularly at the dose of 10%, stimulated the development of the barley plants and decreased the As uptake. Neither an important increase of available Fe nor negative impact on soil physico-chemical and biological properties were observed. Thus, our results show that the use of nZVI could be an adequate strategy to recover the land use in As polluted soils.

Ex-Situ Remediation Technologies for Environmental Pollutants: A Critical Perspective

Pollution and the global health impacts from toxic environmental pollutants are presently of great concern. At present, more than 100 million people are at risk from exposure to a plethora of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants. This review is an exploration of the ex-situ technologies for cleaning-up the contaminated soil, groundwater and air emissions, highlighting their principles, advantages, deficiencies and the knowledge gaps. Challenges and strategies for removing different types of contaminants, mainly heavy metals and priority organic pollutants, are also described.

Technologies for Arsenic Removal from Water: Current Status and Future Perspectives

This review paper presents an overview of the available technologies used nowadays for the removal of arsenic species from water. Conventionally applied techniques to remove arsenic species include oxidation, coagulation-flocculation, and membrane techniques. Besides, progress has recently been made on the utility of various nanoparticles for the remediation of contaminated water. A critical analysis of the most widely investigated nanoparticles is presented and promising future research on novel porous materials, such as metal organic frameworks, is suggested.

Immobilization and volume reduction of heavy metals in municipal solid waste fly ash using nano-size calcium and iron-dispersed reagent

This study was conducted to examine the synthesis and application of novel nano-size calcium/iron-based composite material as an immobilizing and separation treatment of the heavy metals in fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration. After grinding with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO and with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄], approximately 30 wt% and 25 wt% of magnetic fraction fly ash were separated. The highest amount of entrapped heavy metals was found in the lowest weight of the magnetically separated fly ash fraction (i.e., 91% in 25% of treated fly ash). Heavy metals in the magnetic or nonmagnetic fly ash fractions were about 98% and 100% immobilized, respectively. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) observations indicate that the main fraction of enclosed/bound materials on treated fly ash includes Ca/PO₄-associated crystalline complexes. After nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄] treatment, the heavy metal concentrations in the fly ash leachate were much lower than the Japan standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills. These results appear to be extremely promising. The addition of a nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/PO₄mixture with simple grinding technique is potentially applicable for the remediation and volume reduction of fly ash contaminated by heavy metals.

IMPLICATIONS

After grinding with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO and nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/[PO₄], approximately 30 wt% and 25 wt% of magnetic fraction fly ash were separated. The highest amount of entrapped heavy metals was found in the lowest weight of the magnetically separated fly ash fraction (i.e., 91% in 25% of treated fly ash), whereas heavy metals either in the magnetic or nonmagnetic fly ash fractions were about 98% and 100% immobilized. These results appear to be very promising, and the addition of nano-Fe/Ca/CaO/PO₄mixture with simple grinding technique may be considered potentially applicable for the remediation and volume reduction of contaminated fly ash by heavy metals.

Guar gum solutions for improved delivery of iron particles in porous media (part 1): porous medium rheology and guar gum-induced clogging

The present work is the first part of a comprehensive study on the use of guar gum to improve delivery of microscale zero-valent iron particles in contaminated aquifers. Guar gum solutions exhibit peculiar shear thinning properties, with high viscosity in static conditions and lower viscosity in dynamic conditions: this is beneficial both for the storage of MZVI dispersions, and also for the injection in porous media. In the present paper, the processes associated with guar gum injection in porous media are studied performing single-step and multi-step filtration tests in sand-packed columns. The experimental results of single-step tests performed by injecting guar gum solutions prepared at several concentrations and applying different dissolution procedures evidenced that the presence of residual undissolved polymeric particles in the guar gum solution may have a relevant negative impact on the permeability of the porous medium, resulting in evident clogging. The most effective preparation procedure which minimizes the presence of residual particles is dissolution in warm water (60°C) followed by centrifugation (procedure T60C). The multi-step tests (i.e. injection of guar gum at constant concentration with a step increase of flow velocity), performed at three polymer concentrations (1.5, 3 and 4g/l) provided information on the rheological properties of guar gum solutions when flowing through a porous medium at variable discharge rates, which mimic the injection in radial geometry. An experimental protocol was defined for the rheological characterization of the fluids in porous media, and empirical relationships were derived for the quantification of rheological properties and clogging with variable injection rate. These relationships will be implemented in the second companion paper (Part II) in a radial transport model for the simulation of large-scale injection of MZVI-guar gum slurries.

Reducing the mobility of arsenic in brownfield soil using stabilised zero-valent iron nanoparticles

The use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) as a new tool for the treatment of polluted soils and groundwater has received considerable attention in recent years due to its high reactivity, in situ application and cost-effectiveness. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of using a commercial stabilised suspension of nZVI to immobilise As in brownfield soil and to investigate its impact on Fe availability in the treated soil. The phytotoxicities of the soil samples were also evaluated using a germination test with two plant species: barley (Hordeum vulgare L) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L). Two doses of the commercial nZVI suspension were studied, 1% and 10%, and two soil-nanoparticle interaction times, 72 h and 3 mo, were used to compare the stabilities of the soils treated with nZVI. The As availability was evaluated using a sequential extraction procedure and the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) test. The application of nZVI significantly decreased the availability of As in the soil. The immobilisation of As was more effective and more stable over time with the 10% dose than with the 1% dose of the commercial nZVI suspension. The application of nZVI did not induce an important increase in Fe mobility because the Fe leachability was less than 2 mg L(-1) over the time period studied. The lower availability of As in the soil led to a decrease in the phytotoxicity of the soil to barley and vetch germination. Thus, the proposed nanotechnology could be a potential alternative for the in situ remediation of As-polluted soils and could be combined with remediation processes where plants are involved.

Maghemite nanoparticles for As(V) removal: desorption characteristics and adsorbent recovery

Maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles are potential adsorbents for arsenate removal from drinking water. Arsenate, As(V) oxoanion, removal is crucial due to arsenate's serious effects on health and its existence in water worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adsorbent properties of maghemite nanoparticles by observing their stability, desorption and regeneration ability. Arsenate batch desorption and regeneration experiments were carried out with two different kinds of maghemite - a commercial product and a laboratory-synthesized one using the sol-gel process. The best alkaline desorption solution was determined from five different alkaline solutions: NaOH, Na2CO3, Na2HPO4, NaHCO3 and CH3COONa.3H20 (NaAc). Desorption kinetics were also examined. NaOH was observed to be the best desorption solution at a concentration of 1 M with >95% desorption efficiency achieved for both adsorbents. The arsenate adsorption-desorption process was reversible and maghemite recovery was efficient at successive cycles. The laboratory-synthesized maghemite maintained more than 95% of its initial uptake capacity after six cycles for initial As(V) concentrations of 500 and 1000 microg/l, while the achievement with the commercial product was two to four cycles. In addition, iron dissolution from adsorbents was negligible. Thus, it is possible to regenerate the maghemite nanoparticles for repeated adsorption of As(V).

Background species effect on aqueous arsenic removal by nano zero-valent iron using fractional factorial design

This study describes the removal of arsenic species in groundwater by nano zero-valent iron process, including As(III) and As(V). Since the background species may inhibit or promote arsenic removal. The influence of several common ions such as phosphate (PO4(3-)), bicarbonate (HCO3-)), sulfate (SO4(2-)), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-), and humic acid (HA) were selected to evaluate their effects on arsenic removal. In particular, a 2(6-2) fractional factorial design (FFD) was employed to identify major or interacting factors, which affect arsenic removal in a significant way. As a result of FFD evaluation, PO4(3-) and HA play the role of inhibiting arsenic removal, while Ca2+ was observed to play the promoting one. As for HCO3- and Cl-, the former one inhibits As(III) removal, whereas the later one enhances its removal; on the other hand, As(V) removal was affected only slightly in the presence of HCO3- or Cl-. Hence, it was suggested that the arsenic removal by the nanoiron process can be improved through pretreatment of PO4(3-) and HA. In addition, for the groundwater with high hardness, the nanoiron process can be an advantageous option because of enhancing characteristics of Ca2+.

Application of nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) for groundwater remediation in Europe

PURPOSE

Nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) is emerging as a new option for the treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater targeting mainly chlorinated organic contaminants (e.g., solvents, pesticides) and inorganic anions or metals. The purpose of this article is to give a short overview of the practical experience with NZVI applications in Europe and to present a comparison to the situation in the USA. Furthermore, the reasons for the difference in technology use are discussed.

METHOD

The results in this article are based on an extensive literature review and structured discussions in an expert workshop with experts from Europe and the USA. The evaluation of the experiences was based on a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) analysis.

RESULT

There are significant differences in the extent and type of technology used between NZVI applications in Europe and the USA. In Europe, only three full-scale remediations with NZVI have been carried out so far, while NZVI is an established treatment method in the USA. Bimetallic particles and emulsified NZVI, which are extensively used in the USA, have not yet been applied in Europe. Economic constraints and the precautionary attitude in Europe raise questions regarding whether NZVI is a cost-effective method for aquifer remediation. Challenges to the commercialization of NZVI include mainly non-technical aspects such as the possibility of a public backlash, the fact that the technology is largely unknown to consultants, governments and site owners as well as the lack of long-term experiences.

CONCLUSION

Despite these concerns, the results of the current field applications with respect to contaminant reduction are promising, and no major adverse impacts on the environment have been reported so far. It is thus expected that these trials will contribute to promoting the technology in Europe.

Impact of selected solution factors on arsenate and arsenite removal by nanoiron particles

INTRODUCTION

The nano-scale zero-valent iron (NZVI) was used for the removal of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) in aqueous solution. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of initial pH, initial arsenic concentration, dissolved oxygen (DO), and ratio of As(III)/As(V) on arsenic removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NZVI synthesized by using NaBH4 and FeCl3 was put into use right after its synthesis. The arsenic treatment system of recirculation mode consists of a reactor with a liquid volume of 4.4 L, which provides dual function of reactants reaction and particles settling in one unit.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Consequently, the pseudo-first order rate equations can be used to describe the removal kinetics for As(V) at pH 4 and 7, while the pseudo-second order reaction was observed for As(V) at pH 9 and As(III) at all pH's studied. Arsenic removal rates of both As(V) and As(III) were lower in the system with lower DO. The rate of As(III) removal decreased with the increase of its initial concentration. In contrast, the removal rate of As(V) still remained significantly high as its initial concentration increased.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that low pH and high DO will favor arsenic removal. With the mixture of As(III) and As(V), the total arsenic was removed faster than solution containing As(III) or As(V) alone. In addition, the mixture with higher fraction of As(V) resulted in higher arsenic removal.

Gas-bubbled nano zero-valent iron process for high concentration arsenate removal

In this study, batch experiments were performed to investigate a novel process for high concentration arsenate removal in the presence of air and/or CO(2) bubbling. The pretreatment step, CO(2) bubbling at 300 mL/min for 5 min, was taken to adjust the solution pH to an acidic environment, followed by air bubbling at 300 mL/min for 10 min to increase dissolved oxygen in the solution. In the treatment period, the nano-scale zero-valent iron was applied to remove aqueous arsenate of 3000 μg/L, while the treatment system was continuously bubbled by 300 mL/min of air. Such a process resulted in outstanding performance in arsenate removal. Furthermore, in the field groundwater application, the arsenate removal rate for the proposed process was 5 times faster than the rate measured when the system was pretreated by acidic chemical species only.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of cadmium ion removal by adsorption onto nano zerovalent iron particles

Nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) is an effective adsorbent for removing various organic and inorganic contaminants. In this study, nZVI particles were used to investigate the removal of Cd(2+) in the concentration range of 25-450 mg L(-1). The effect of temperature on kinetics and equilibrium of cadmium sorption on nZVI particles was thoroughly examined. Consistent with an endothermic reaction, an increase in the temperature resulted in increasing cadmium adsorption rate. The adsorption kinetics well fitted using a pseudo second-order kinetic model. The calculated activation energy for adsorption was 54.8 kJ mol(-1), indicating the adsorption process to be chemisorption. The intraparticle diffusion model described that the intraparticle diffusion was not the only rate-limiting step. The adsorption isotherm data could be well described by the Langmuir as well as Temkin equations. The maximum adsorption capacity of nZVI for Cd(2+) was found to be 769.2 mg g(-1) at 297 K. Thermodynamic parameters (i.e., change in the free energy (ΔG(o)), the enthalpy (ΔH(o)), and the entropy (ΔS(o))) were also evaluated. The overall adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. EDX analysis indicated the presence of cadmium ions on the nZVI surface. These results suggest that nZVI could be employed as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of cadmium from contaminated water sources.

Arsenic removal from water/wastewater using adsorbents--A critical review

Arsenic's history in science, medicine and technology has been overshadowed by its notoriety as a poison in homicides. Arsenic is viewed as being synonymous with toxicity. Dangerous arsenic concentrations in natural waters is now a worldwide problem and often referred to as a 20th-21st century calamity. High arsenic concentrations have been reported recently from the USA, China, Chile, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Mexico, Argentina, Poland, Canada, Hungary, Japan and India. Among 21 countries in different parts of the world affected by groundwater arsenic contamination, the largest population at risk is in Bangladesh followed by West Bengal in India. Existing overviews of arsenic removal include technologies that have traditionally been used (oxidation, precipitation/coagulation/membrane separation) with far less attention paid to adsorption. No previous review is available where readers can get an overview of the sorption capacities of both available and developed sorbents used for arsenic remediation together with the traditional remediation methods. We have incorporated most of the valuable available literature on arsenic remediation by adsorption ( approximately 600 references). Existing purification methods for drinking water; wastewater; industrial effluents, and technological solutions for arsenic have been listed. Arsenic sorption by commercially available carbons and other low-cost adsorbents are surveyed and critically reviewed and their sorption efficiencies are compared. Arsenic adsorption behavior in presence of other impurities has been discussed. Some commercially available adsorbents are also surveyed. An extensive table summarizes the sorption capacities of various adsorbents. Some low-cost adsorbents are superior including treated slags, carbons developed from agricultural waste (char carbons and coconut husk carbons), biosorbents (immobilized biomass, orange juice residue), goethite and some commercial adsorbents, which include resins, gels, silica, treated silica tested for arsenic removal come out to be superior. Immobilized biomass adsorbents offered outstanding performances. Desorption of arsenic followed by regeneration of sorbents has been discussed. Strong acids and bases seem to be the best desorbing agents to produce arsenic concentrates. Arsenic concentrate treatment and disposal obtained is briefly addressed. This issue is very important but much less discussed.