Soil Remediation Using Nano Zero-valent Iron Synthesized by an Ultrasonic Method

Abstract

A new method for the synthesis of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) was developed in the present study. Ultrasonic waves, as a novel method, were used to synthesize the nanoparticles. The morphology and surface compositions of the particles were characterized by using FESEM, XRD, BET, and particle size analyzer. The synthesized nanoparticles were then utilized as a Fenton-like catalyst to degrade of hydrocarbon contaminants of soil. The effect of using ultrasonic waves in combination with nZVI for hydrocarbon degradation was also investigated. The effects of ultrasonic power, nZVI concentration, pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and temperature on remediation were studied. It was found that the new nZVI synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted method had high efficiency in soil remediation. The results indicated that the efficiency of removing hydrocarbons by nZVI was 98.57%. Finally, the optimum conditions of degradation were obtained when pH, ultrasonic power, nZVI concentration temperature, and hydrogen peroxide concentration were respectively equal to 3.5, 500 W, 0.4 gr.l-1, 40 °C, and 30 mM.