Kinetic models for volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons removal by zero-valent iron

Kinetic models for removal of trichloroethylene, trichloromethane and tetrachloroethylene from water by zero-valent iron were tested. The dehalogenation reactions were modelled by first-order and power law models, pseudo-stationary models with a controlling surface reaction rate and non-stationary models without the assumption of rate controlling step. Regression analysis proved, that the first-order kinetic is not suitable for the modelling of chlorinated hydrocarbons dechlorination. On the other hand, power law models, Langmuir-Hinshelwood analogy models and general models of heterogeneous reactions are reliable for the kinetic description of dechlorination. In spite of an empirical or semi-empirical character, the power law models and models of controlling surface reaction rate can be recommended for the regression analysis owing to the their simple regression parameters interpretation.