IEC 130 |
| Daniel W. Elliott and Weixian Zhang. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lehigh University, Fritz Engineering Lab, 13 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015 |
| Herein, we report the results from a field test in which nanoscale bimetallic particles were used to remediate trichloroethene (“TCE”) in groundwater. To our knowledge, the pilot test represented the first field demonstration of the nanoiron technology. In this study, TCE was rapidly transformed to degradation products including dichloroethene, vinyl chloride, ethene, ethane, and chloride. Approximately 1.7 kg of nanoiron was gravity-fed into TCE-contaminated groundwater within a well-characterized area of an active manufacturing site. Parameters including VOCs, total and dissolved iron, chloride, pH, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential, and conductivity were systematically measured to monitor changes in groundwater chemistry. TCE levels were temporarily reduced by up to 96.5% within the test area. Temporal and spatial variations were noted as reduction efficiencies generally declined with increasing distance from the point of injection. While additional testing is needed at other field sites, the nanoparticle technology appears to represent a very promising remediation tool. |
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Nanotechnology and the Environment
5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2003 Convention Center -- Hall G, Poster
Sci-Mix
Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry |